Your Guide to Master's in Education at University of North Georgia

Georgia school districts typically place teachers with a master’s degree on a higher salary schedule, adding $5,000 to $7,000 annually for many educators. That earnings gap makes graduate education a practical financial move for classroom teachers across the state. The University of North Georgia, a public institution with deep roots in educator preparation, addresses this need through M.Ed. programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education, and the Master of Arts in Teaching, available online, on-campus, or in hybrid formats.

UNG’s College of Education designs these pathways for working professionals, offering evening, summer, and asynchronous courses that fit a full-time teaching schedule. Specializations allow teachers to target in-demand credentials, from ESOL endorsement to reading instruction. In a state where district-level pay raises often depend on advanced degrees, choosing an affordable, accessible master's in education program in Georgia becomes a calculated career investment.

Flexible M.ed. Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options at UNG

Balancing a teaching career with graduate study demands a program that adapts to your schedule, not the other way around. The University of North Georgia understands this reality and has designed its Master of Education (M.Ed.) offerings to prioritize flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. With over 70% of graduate programs delivered online¹, UNG gives you the freedom to earn your degree while continuing to lead in the classroom.

A Fully Online, Asynchronous Format

UNG’s M.Ed. degrees, including the popular Curriculum and Instruction and Middle Grades Education specializations, are delivered entirely online.² Courses are primarily asynchronous, meaning you log in and complete readings, assignments, and discussions on your own time each week. Some instructors may include optional synchronous activities, such as live virtual sessions, but these are recorded for those who cannot attend. This structure lets you plan coursework around your teaching hours, family commitments, and other responsibilities. The program uses the D2L/Brightspace learning management system, providing a centralized hub for materials, grades, and communication.²

No Required Campus Visits

For the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and Middle Grades Education, there are no routine campus visits, residencies, or in-person meetings. All coursework, including collaborative projects and portfolio submissions, is completed online.³² Clinical experiences embedded in the programs are designed to be completed in your own school setting, so you apply new skills directly in your own classroom.

Technology and Support for Online Learners

To participate, you will need a reliable high-speed internet connection, a modern computer, and standard productivity software. Some programs, like the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, also require the LiveText portfolio assessment tool.² UNG provides robust online support services, including technical help for D2L, academic advising, and library access, all tailored to distance learners.² These resources ensure you never feel isolated while studying remotely.

Built for Working Educators

The cohort model, with two courses per term over five semesters³, offers a clear, manageable pace. You progress with a group of peers, building a professional network while balancing work and study. This intentional design helps you complete the degree in about two years without overwhelming your schedule.³ Whether you teach in rural Georgia or an urban district, UNG’s online M.Ed. removes geographic barriers and rigid schedules, letting you grow professionally on your own terms, much like the UGA M.Ed. programs and Georgia Southern M.Ed. programs across the state.

Learn From Experienced Educators: UNG's College of Education Faculty and Support Services

Who will be teaching my M.Ed. courses at UNG, and what support can I expect as a graduate student?

University of North Georgia's College of Education brings together a faculty of scholar-practitioners who combine terminal degrees with substantial K-12 classroom experience. This dual grounding means your courses connect current research to the daily realities of schools. Whether you enroll in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction or the new M.Ed. in Innovations in Teaching and Learning (launched January 2025)⁶, you learn from educators who have navigated the same challenges you face.

Faculty Expertise and Real-World Experience

The College's leadership reflects its commitment to equity and innovation. Dean Sheri Hardee focuses on social justice education¹, while Associate Deans Amanda Studer and Kelly McFaden bring strengths in science education² and comparative international education³, respectively. Program coordinators and faculty dive deep into their specialties: Dr. Catherine Rosa integrates arts integration and culturally responsive teaching into her work in educational leadership and ESOL²; Dr. Patty Wagner leads mathematics education²; Dr. Donna Gessell explores literature and pedagogy²; and Kelly West grounds biology instruction in environmental education⁴. Many hold terminal degrees, and their ongoing research keeps the curriculum fresh. For the M.Ed. in Innovations in Teaching and Learning, Program Chair Theresa Magpuri-Lavell guides a curriculum designed for educators ready to rethink classroom practice⁶.

Dedicated Support Services for Graduate Students

UNG structures student support so you never feel alone in your graduate journey. Associate Dean of Student Support Services Cristina Washell oversees a network that includes dedicated academic advising, career counseling, and a university writing center³. For online learners, Donna McGrath coordinates educational technology resources, ensuring you can access course materials, virtual office hours, and collaboration tools without friction⁵. Field Placement Director Raquel Johnson helps navigate in-school experiences where your program requires them⁵. Assessment and accreditation, managed by Associate Dean Carly Womack-Wynne, ensure programs meet rigorous standards while providing you clear feedback on your progress³.

Mentoring and Professional Growth Opportunities

Beyond coursework, UNG creates space for professional development through workshops, a first-generation faculty and staff initiative, and an active College of Education Advisory Council that connects the program to school district leaders². The PEAKS-ISC partnership (co-coordinated by Beatrix Washell)⁵ offers additional mentoring pathways. These layers of support mean you build relationships that extend past graduation, often with faculty who become career-long mentors.

What support feels most critical for your M.Ed. success: responsive faculty, accessible advisors, or a strong peer network? UNG designs its graduate experience so you don't have to choose.

How to Apply: UNG M.ed. Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

Applying to a University of North Georgia M.Ed. program involves several steps. Here's what you need to know for a successful application.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

  You must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75

  A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is required for admission to UNG's M.Ed. programs.
• GRE or MAT scores (waiver available)

  Applicants must submit GRE or MAT scores. For the Curriculum & Instruction program, minimum scores are 301 on the GRE or 391 on the MAT. The exam requirement can be waived if you have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, or if you already hold a master's degree.
• Application deadlines by program

  Each M.Ed. specialization has its own deadline. For example, Curriculum & Instruction applications are due May 1, Elementary Education due April 15, and Middle Grades Math & Science due July 15 for summer entry. Check the specific program page for exact dates.
• Online application and $40 fee

  Submit your application online through UNG's graduate admissions portal and pay the $40 nonrefundable fee.
• Program-specific requirements

  Additional materials such as letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a teaching certificate may be required for certain specializations. Review your chosen program's admission page for a complete list.

What Does UNG's M.ed. Cost? A Detailed Tuition Breakdown and Funding Options

Understanding the true cost of a master’s in education means looking beyond the advertised tuition rate. At the University of North Georgia, the price you pay depends heavily on your residency status and the format you choose. This section breaks down the numbers, required fees, and the financial aid pathways that can lower your out-of-pocket cost.

Tuition by the Numbers

For the 2026-2027 academic year, UNG’s M.Ed. programs require 30 to 36 credit hours, with per-credit rates that vary across three delivery modes:

• On-Campus, In-State: $238 per credit, leading to an estimated annual tuition of $5,712 and a total program tuition of $7,140 (based on 30 credits). Mandatory fees add roughly $1,180 per year.
• On-Campus, Out-of-State: $1,010 per credit, with annual tuition around $24,240 and a total program tuition of $30,300. The same mandatory fees apply.
• Online eTuition: A flat $192 per credit regardless of residency. Annual tuition estimates at $5,760, with total program tuition near $5,760 for a 30-credit path. Online students also pay reduced mandatory fees of about $670 per year.

These figures cover tuition and standard university fees only; books, supplies, and any program-specific materials are additional. Note that the totals assume a 30-credit program. Some specializations may require up to 36 credits, increasing the overall cost proportionally.¹

Additional Costs and Net Price

While sticker prices are clear, what students actually pay often differs. UNG’s overall average net price after grants and scholarships is a better benchmark, though institution-wide net-price data lumps all graduate programs together and may not reflect individual experiences. Graduate students should plan for living expenses, technology fees, and potential travel if choosing a hybrid format that combines online coursework with limited campus visits.

Financial Aid and Funding Options

Federal aid is the primary resource for most graduate students:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Available to all eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents regardless of financial need. Annual limits for graduate students are higher than for undergraduates.
• Grad PLUS Loans: Credit-based federal loans that can cover any remaining cost of attendance after other aid is exhausted.
• TEACH Grants: For students who plan to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school. This grant requires a service obligation; if not fulfilled, it converts to an unsubsidized loan.

Georgia’s well-known HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships are undergraduate programs and do not apply to graduate-level study, including the M.Ed.² However, some state-funded teacher service-cancelable loan programs may be available for those willing to teach in critical shortage areas, check with the Georgia Student Finance Commission for current offerings.

UNG itself provides several institutional options to reduce costs:

• Graduate Assistantships: Competitive positions that typically include a tuition waiver and a stipend in exchange for research or administrative work. Education graduate students should inquire directly with the College of Education about availability.
• College of Education Scholarships: A limited number of need- and merit-based M.Ed. scholarships are awarded each year. Deadlines and criteria vary, so early contact with the financial aid office is recommended.
• Payment Plans: Through the Bursar’s Office, UNG offers installment plans that break each semester’s balance into manageable payments, avoiding high-interest debt while studying.

Student Loan Debt and Repayment

Program-level median debt for UNG M.Ed. graduates has not been published in recent federal datasets, making direct comparisons difficult. For general planning, assume a typical 10-year federal repayment plan: every $1,000 borrowed results in roughly $10 to $12 per month, depending on interest rates. Borrowing the full estimated in-state on-campus tuition would mean monthly payments under $100 on a standard plan, well within manageable limits for a newly licensed teacher in Georgia. Out-of-state or heavy Grad PLUS borrowing, however, can push monthly repayments significantly higher, so students should use the Department of Education’s loan simulator to project their own repayment scenarios before committing.

What Are the Job Prospects and Salaries for UNG M.ed. Graduates?

The central question for many educators considering a master’s degree is whether the investment will translate into meaningful career growth and increased earning potential. While precise salary and placement data can shift with each graduating cohort, Georgia’s consistent demand for qualified teachers creates a generally favorable outlook for M.Ed. holders. This section outlines where to find the most reliable, up-to-date information on job prospects and compensation so you can make a well-informed decision.

Understanding the Georgia Job Market for Educators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides Georgia-specific employment projections and wage data for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers. These reports often highlight steady growth in metropolitan districts north of Atlanta, including areas served by the University of North Georgia. Salaries for teachers with a master’s degree in Georgia typically exceed those of bachelor’s-level peers, and the state’s tiered certification system rewards advanced degrees with higher pay scales. For the most current median salaries and projected job openings by region, visit the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, filtering for Georgia.

GACE Pass Rates and Licensure: A Key Indicator

One of the most concrete measures of a program’s effectiveness is its candidates’ performance on the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE). The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) publishes institutional pass rate reports by program area. Reviewing UNG’s pass rates for the relevant content assessments can give you a sense of how well the curriculum and clinical experiences prepare graduates for the licensure exams required to lead a classroom. High pass rates often correlate with strong job placement, as districts prefer candidates who are fully certified and classroom-ready.

How UNG Supports Career Outcomes

While aggregate job placement statistics for recent M.Ed. cohorts are not publicly posted on a single dashboard, UNG’s Career Services office and College of Education alumni network can offer personalized insights. By reaching out directly, you can inquire about common hiring districts, average time to employment, and starting salary ranges reported by recent alumni. Additionally, UNG maintains partnerships with school systems across northeast Georgia, which can create a direct pipeline for clinical placements and eventual full-time positions. Many graduates secure roles within these partner districts shortly after completing their degree.

Interpreting What’s Available

When program-specific earnings data are not yet published, this does not signal weak outcomes; it often reflects a lag in reporting or smaller cohort sizes. In such cases, broader state and regional trends serve as a reliable proxy. An M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction or Elementary Education from a Georgia institution typically yields a salary increase of several thousand dollars per year, along with potential for higher-paying leadership roles. To build a complete picture, request a program outcomes report from UNG’s College of Education, review GaPSC licensure pass rates, and align BLS projections with your career goals.

Questions to Ask Yourself

UNG Vs. Other Georgia M.ed. Programs: Cost, Quality, and Outcomes

When choosing a Master of Education program in Georgia, cost and delivery flexibility are often top considerations. Below we compare the University of North Georgia with Georgia Southern University and the University System of Georgia's Collaborative Online M.Ed. on key factors. Note that specific costs for UNG are based on its Master of Arts in Teaching, as M.Ed. program pricing may vary.

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With a net price that makes it one of the most affordable in Georgia, UNG's M.Ed. can lead to a rapid return on investment through increased earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About UNG's Master's in Education Programs

Below are answers to common questions about the University of North Georgia’s graduate education programs. For the most current information, always refer to official UNG resources and governing bodies.