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Office of Academic Assistance and Graduate Admissions

Admissions Checklist for Add-On Certification & Non-Degree/Renewal of Certification

Programs leading to add-on certification are available for students already holding a teaching certificate at least at the T-4 level. The specific courses needed for add-on certification are based on an individual's experience and education; therefore, the major department will make all necessary recommendations for the add-on certification course work. Non-degree/renewal-of-certification programs are available for students wanting to take courses to meet prerequisites for a program or to renew or maintain a certification or license. Admission to the initial certification program in interrelated special education requires admission as a non-degree student. If a student attends GSU on non-degree status, a maximum of nine hours may be transferable to a master's or doctoral program at a later date, depending upon the program requirements and guidelines. Some programs require non-degree students to submit test scores or other pertinent materials; read the non-degree admissions checklist carefully to discern what is required for a particular program. Please also keep in mind that each program may have a separate application or additional admissions criteria. Individual applicants are responsible for contacting the department to ensure that all additional materials have been submitted.
The College of Education at Georgia State University uses a self-managed application for admission to its graduate programs. It is the applicant's responsibility to prepare and collect all needed application materials in one packet (except the online application which is submitted separately from all other paper materials). The completed application packet should be returned to: Office of Academic Assistance & Graduate Admissions, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3977, 30 Pryor Street, S.W., Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30302-3977. You will be notified in writing of the decision on your application. If accepted, this acceptance is not guaranteed for any term other than the term stated on the letter of acceptance. The following items are required:
  • Submission of Online College of Education Application for Graduate Admission with $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
  • Two official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended, except for GSU. Even if you have applied to or attended Georgia State prior to this application, all transcripts must be sent; transcripts received prior to this application are not available for the Graduate Admissions Committee's use. Each transcript must be in a sealed envelope with the university registrar's signature across the flap. All transcripts must be received in order to process your application. International applicants must also submit an evaluation made by an independent evaluation service. Silny application can be downloaded from the Application Menu.
  • The following add-on/non-degree programs require GRE scores no more than five years old at the time of application: Educational Leadership Add-on (unless EdS, EdD, or PhD held), Library Media, Professional Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, and School Psychology. Official Graduate Record Exam scores should be sent directly to Georgia State University from the Educational Testing Service. More information concerning the GRE can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, Graduate Record Examinations, Princeton, NJ, 08541 or access http://www.gre.org/. The correct institution code for Georgia State University is 5251; the correct departmental code from those listed under Education should also be used. If an appropriate department is not listed, please use the code 3999. If you have an official copy of your GRE scores, please send a photocopy along with your application. While a photocopy is not acceptable for admission and we must still receive official scores from ETS, a photocopy can help expedite the processing of your application.
  • A 300-500 word statement of your professional/career goals should be included in your online application. This is your opportunity to explain how your career and educational goals are compatible with those of the program to which you are applying.
  • The following programs require a resume or vita: Educational Leadership Add-on (showing three years of school experience), Library Media, School Counseling, and School Psychology. This document should describe all professional employment and work-related experience, as well as past educational endeavors.
  • The following programs require letters of recommendation: Educational Leadership Add-on program requires one letter of recommendation from the applicant's school principal; Library Media requires three letters of recommendation, at least one from an academic source; Professional Counseling, School Counseling, and School Psychology require three letters of recommendation. Please use the Recommendation Form.
  • The initial certification program for interrelated special education requires submission of GACE I scores (http://www.gapsc.com/ for additional information).  The current options for satisfying the Basic Skills Assessment, including the exemptions, are outlined at http://www.gapsc.com/documentation/basicskillsinfo.asp. Under "Basic Skills Testing," go to "Options to Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement." Additional information available on Application Menu.
  • The summer-only interrelated program in special education requires a copy of your current, clear renewable, teaching certificate in BD, LD, or MR along with documentation of at least one year of teaching experience.
  • Applicants to the School Counseling and School Psychology program must submit a writing sample (separate from the goals statement). The writing sample can be published or unpublished.