College of Education
Birth Through Five Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Birth Through Five program?
The B-5 program is a new bachelor’s degree and teacher certification program. It is designed to prepare professionals for a variety of roles in settings for children from infancy through Kindergarten, including typically developing children and those with special needs.
Can I do my Internships where I work?
With approval, teachers may use their current work site to meet much of the field experiences required in the program. Additional fieldwork may be required for assignments with different age groups and children with special needs.
When does the program start?
Georgia State University is starting its new B-5 program in the fall of 2008. We will begin classes in August with special orientations for students interested in the B-5 program in the early summer.
How do I apply?
You may apply for admission to GSU as a new freshman or a transfer student online: http://www.gsu.edu/undergraduate_admission.html
What degree and certification will I receive when I complete the program?
Successful candidates will earn a Bachelor of Science in Education and will be recommended for teacher certification in Birth Through Age Five and Preschool Special Education.
I already have an Associates Degree in Early Care and Education/ ECE. Will this count toward the bachelor’s degree?
The B-5 program is designed to build on the A.S. Degree coursework and experience of teachers already employed in the field of early care. See the articulation agreement on the Department of ECE website to learn more .
I still have courses to complete in general education or the Core Curriculum. Can I take these courses at GSU?
Yes, once you have applied to GSU and been admitted, you will work with an adviser to determine what courses and requirements are needed before beginning your major courses in the Birth Through Five program. See B-5 program of study at this website: http://education.gsu.edu/ece/BirthThroughFive.htm
Can I work and take classes too?
GSU offers many classes in the evening for working students. The B-5 program is designed with teachers in mind. Classes are offered in the late afternoon; there are also plans for weekend courses and online courses. Classes will be offered fall, spring and summer terms each year.
I have been teaching young children for many years. Will this experience count in my program?
Students may apply to have their previous work experiences with very young children evaluated for field placement transfer credit (a maximum of 300 hours). Also, with approval, teachers may use their current work site with children to meet some of the field experiences required in the program.
What will I need to apply to GSU?
Transcripts, application form, application fee; please go to the GSU admissions site for a complete list of requirements: http://www.gsu.edu/undergraduate_admission.html
Does GSU except transfer credits?
Your official transcripts will be reviewed for any allowable transfer of course credits. See the Articulation (transfer) Agreement between DTAE (technical colleges) and USG (includes Georgia State University) at http://education.gsu.edu/ece/BirthThroughFive.htm
Can I get someone to review my transcripts before I apply to GSU?
No, unfortunately we are unable to provide advisement or transcript evaluation unless a student has applied for admission.
What tests do I need to take to apply?
Successful completion of the Regents Test and GACE Basic Skills Assessment is required by the time you reach 45 semester hours. For complete details and online test registration for the Regents’ Test, please go to: www.gsu.edu/~wwwcou/regents.htm
For information on GACE, please go to: http://www.gace.nesinc.com/
How much does it cost to apply?
The nonrefundable admissions application fee is $50.
How much does it cost to attend GSU?
In-State Tuition for students enrolled for less than 12 semester hours is $203 per semester hours and $2,428.00 for full time (12 semester hours or more). See the following website for complete information about tuition, fees, expenses and financial aid: http://www.gsu.edu/es/27720.html
Once I am admitted to GSU, how will I find out what courses I need to take for the Birth Through Five program?
Once you have been admitted; your transcripts will be evaluated to determine how many semester hours of credit can be accepted for your program of study and what courses are left to complete. Please visit the following site for more information: http://www.gsu.edu/es/student_advisement_center.html
Who will be my adviser?
If you have been admitted to GSU and you have less than 42 semester hours of approved course credit, you will be advised by Ms. Jennifer Lee in the Student Advisement Center (SAC): http://www.gsu.edu/es/student_advisement_center.html
If you have been admitted to GSU and 43-60 semester hours of approved credit, you will be advised by Ms. Jessalyn Murphy or Ms. Cynthia Day in the College of Education Office of Academic Advisement: http://education.gsu.oaa/
Once you have completed all requirements for admission to teacher education and the B-5 program with 60+ semester hours, you will be advised by Dr. Ruth Saxton in the Department of ECE: http://education.gsu.edu/ece/BirthThroughFive.htm
For additional information, please contact Dr. Ruth Saxton, B-5 Program Coordinator, Department of Early Childhood Education, Georgia State University at rsaxton@gsu.edu or call (404) 413-8020.
We hope that when you are ready to take that next professional step, GSU’s Birth Through Five Program will be your choice!