I’m sure some of you might be asking, “What’s the difference in these programs?”  Allow me to explain…

A graduate certificate is typically a year-long program that offers fundamental career training in a specialized field. The certificate is made up of four to six courses, and in some cases these can count towards your master’s degree if you decide to continue your course of study.

The master of arts in teaching (MAT) degree is for college graduates who do not have an undergraduate degree in education.  Some educators teaching for private schools may need to earn their M.A.T. instead of their master of education.

A master of education (M.Ed.) degree is designed for practicing teachers with an undergraduate degree in education.  It broadens the content area knowledge, strengthens teaching skills and satisfies the professional development needs of practicing teachers.

Next question might be, “What programs do you have?”

Certificates: English for Speakers of Other Languages (initial and advanced), and Special Education

Master of Arts in Teaching: Early Education, Elementary Education, Performing Arts, and Special Education

Master of Education: Languages, Science & Math for Teachers, and Teaching, Learning & Advocacy

Okay.  So now for the good stuff.  Like how can you go to school for free? The School of Education offers at least ten scholarships or fellowships, not to mention the opportunities offered through the federal government.  Our financial aid representative spoke of a few including the South Caorlina Teacher Loan.

There are plenty of opportunities to earn a master’s degree, especially if you’re interested in becoming a teacher.  You can do more homework online.

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston now offers a Graduate Certificate in Special Education!

I was excited to learn this week that the School of Education, Health and Human Performance has approved our ninth graduate certificate! The added bonus?  General and special education teachers can begin taking classes as early as January 12!

As an educator, you can concentrate in learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, mental disabilities and multicategorical disabilities – in your backyard.  The closest graduate program in special education is in Orangeburg.  This is also beneficial to the school system, as the five local school districts lose between 15 and 80 special educators each year to relocation and retirement.  Nationally, the employment needs for special education teachers is expected to grow 15% through 2016.

To apply for January classes, submit your non-degree Special Education application by Friday, January 9.  If you have questions about this program, please contact our program representatives, Dr. Springer or Dr. Gurganus.  For questions regarding the applciation process, please contact Mrs. Hallatt.