Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The programme focuses on adult learning and the practical skills needed to design, implement and evaluate professional development for teachers across particular levels and methods (for example, elementary, secondary, or subject-specific methods). Core topics include adult learning theory, curriculum and instruction, instructional coaching and mentoring, assessment and data-driven decision making, and leadership for change. Students also study research methods and programme evaluation to ground practice in evidence and typically complete a capstone project or practicum in a school or district setting that applies learning to a real professional development initiative.

Typical modules and areas of study include:

• Foundations of Professional Development: adult learning principles, needs analysis and designing sustainable PD programmes.
• Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: aligning standards, instructional strategies for specific levels/methods and formative assessment practices.
• Instructional Coaching and Mentoring: coaching models, feedback techniques and building collaborative professional learning communities.
• Leadership and Organisational Change: leading school improvement, stakeholder engagement and policy implications for PD.
• Educational Technology for PD: using digital tools to deliver, support and evaluate professional learning.
• Research, Evaluation and Data Use: qualitative and quantitative methods, action research and evaluation of PD impact.
• Practicum or Capstone Project: applied project or supervised practicum with a partner school/district focusing on a planned, implemented and evaluated professional development intervention.

The programme is offered in formats that accommodate working educators, including on-campus, hybrid and online course delivery, and can be taken full-time or part-time depending on candidate needs.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Successful candidates typically have classroom experience and/or a current teaching certificate when applying to certain tracks focused on licensure or level-specific methods. Admissions materials commonly include:

• Official academic transcripts
• A statement of purpose outlining professional goals in teacher education and professional development
• Current curriculum vitae or resume detailing teaching and leadership experience
• Letters of recommendation, often including at least one from a current supervisor or colleague
• Evidence of teaching certification, where required by the chosen concentration

Some applicants may be invited to an interview. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) are evaluated on a rolling basis and may be waived for qualified candidates with relevant experience or prior graduate work. Specific prerequisite coursework or experience can vary by concentration; applicants should consult the College of Education for guidance on their chosen specific levels/methods pathway.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of leadership and specialist roles within K–12 and related settings. Typical career pathways include:

• Instructional coach or instructional specialist supporting teacher practice and curriculum implementation
• Professional development coordinator or director at the school, district or regional level
• Curriculum developer or curriculum specialist for content areas or grade bands
• School leadership roles that emphasise staff development and school improvement
• Educational consultant, trainer or content developer for publishers, education technology providers and non-profit organisations
• Academic roles in higher education preparing pre-service teachers or leading continuing education for educators

Graduates are equipped to design evidence-based PD, lead collaborative adult learning, and use data to demonstrate impact on teacher practice and student outcomes.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern's College of Education has a strong regional reputation for preparing effective educators and leaders through programmes that combine research, practice and community partnership. The university maintains close partnerships with public school systems across the region, providing students with practicum and applied project opportunities in diverse classrooms and districts.

Students benefit from faculty with experience in K–12 leadership, curriculum design and professional learning, as well as access to resources that support applied research and technology-enhanced instruction. Flexible delivery options and support for working professionals make the programme accessible to educators who wish to continue working while they advance their qualifications.