Frequently Asked Questions - UGA SLM Program

All forms (Application, Recommendation letters) can be obtained from the UGA Graduate School Web site. In some cases, you may fill them in directly there. There is also a complete on-line version of the UGA Bulletin.
Complete the application form and submit the $50 fee directly to the Graduate School Admissions Office.
Be sure to indicate the program to which you are applying: select School Library Media from the choices provided.
Contact colleges attended and have them send two sets of official transcripts To the Grad School. No transcripts should be sent to the SLM Program, Dept. of Educational Psychology & Instructional Technology.
Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and attain acceptable test scores on the verbal and quantitative sections (individually and combined). These scores must be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service to the Graduate School Admission Office. International students must also submit an acceptable TOEFL score.
Submit a Goal Statement that explains in detail (1-2 pages) your goals and why you are interested in the degree program to which you are applying (i.e. how your goals match up). Take some time with this. Imagine that you are speaking to our Admissions Committee when you write this (it is usually the first thing that is read). This statement can be sent directly to Instructional Technology.

Is the GRE required?
In almost all cases, yes. We require GRE scores for admission to the M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees as well as non-degree certification (unless you need 3 courses or fewer). Scores must be 5 years old or newer. Applicants who have been accepted to UGA's Graduate School in the past who took the GRE then for admission will not have to re-take the GRE, according to Graduate School rules. If you are in this category, you should evaluate whether your scores are high enough for admission to our program, and if not, retake the test. Find out about the GRE at http://www.ets.org. Minimum scores are: for the M.Ed. and non-degree certification, 850 total on Verbal + Quantitative, with a minimum of 400 on each of the two components. For the Ed.S.: 900 total on V + Q, with 450 minimum on each of the two components. The MAT and NTE are not accepted.

What are the undergraduate requirements? Do I have to have a bachelor's degree in education?
Your undergraduate GPA should be a minimum of 2.6 (as figured by the UGA Graduate School).
It is not absolutely necessary (although helpful) that you have a degree in education to start the SLM program. If you are not eligible for certification, you may need extra courses to qualify. That said, we have had successful graduates whose undergraduate backgrounds include English, Business, and Journalism. Broad Liberal Arts degree programs are helpful, while narrow technical fields are not as relevant. If you have concerns about the match between your previous educational background and your aspirations to be a media specialist, ask a faculty member about this. See http://www.coe.uga.edu/epit/slm/admission.html for the full list of M.Ed. entrance requirements. Ed.S. entrance requirements are more stringent: see http://www.coe.uga.edu/epit/slm/edsadmissions.html.

Is there an "add-on" program, by which I can add the school library media certification to an existing certification? If so, what are the prerequisites? (We call this "non-degree certification.")

The answer to this question is "yes." We do have a non-degree certification program for people who already possess a Master's degree or higher. Students who choose this option must apply as usual through the Graduate School (see above). In other words, the GRE is required, along with all other entrance requirements.

To obtain our recommendation for certification, you must satisfy all the requirements listed on our Certification Checklist. Usually, the Professional Standards Commission will follow through and grant certification to the candidates we recommend. You need not re-take any courses you have already taken during previous coursework.

The only prerequisite is an existing Master's degree. However, note that we screen non-degree applications with as much care as we do degree-seeking students. Typically, even previously certified students need at least a year of study. There are 10 requirements altogether. See the Checklist.

Where and how are courses taught?
We have designed a program that blends face-to-face classes and online classes to provide an accessible time and place for most working professionals to earn SLM certification. As a general rule, face-to-face classes are taught on alternate Saturdays in fall and spring. An online class is paired with the face-to-face class to allow students to take two courses per term. Electives are generally scheduled during the summer in Athens and the UGA/Gwinnett Center when possible. Trips to Athens may be required throughout your program, but on a very rare basis. While this program benefits the majority of potential students (those who live closest to Gwinnett), Northeast Georgia (non-metro) students should know that classes are not duplicated in Athens. See the Course Rotation Index for more details.

How much will it cost?
The cost depends upon the current tuition rate per credit hour, plus fees. This is harder to figure out than you might think, and we can't determine an exact number for your first bill.

The best plan is to contact the Bursar's Office for further information and/or do some exploring of their website:
http://www.bursar.uga.edu/

For Current Students

How do I fill out a Program of Study?
It's not easy. Consult the Graduation page for helpful resources and the links you need.

This FAQ updated 1-23-09

How do I apply for Certification?
Instructions can be found on the Certification Checklist.