Bachelor of Science in Education

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Foster Imaginations and Curiosities

GGC partners with local school districts to address K-12 teacher shortages by strengthening metro Atlanta's educator pipeline. These collaborations lead to immersive learning opportunities that combine classroom- and field-based learning – experiences that prepare graduates to enter jobs immediately after graduation.
Education degree concentrations
Elementary education prepares students to teach grades preschool through five, and includes two endorsements: reading and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The program uses an integrated approach to curriculum design and delivery that addresses the needs of all learners.
Course catalog requirements for a bachelor's degree in education, elementary education
Middle grades education with a social science and English language arts concentration prepares students to teach grades four through eight, and includes two endorsements: reading and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The program uses an integrated approach to curriculum design and delivery that addresses the needs of all learners.
Middle grades education with a social science and English language arts concentration prepares students to teach grades four through eight, and includes two endorsements: reading and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The program uses an integrated approach to curriculum design and delivery that addresses the needs of all learners.
Through a combination of virtual classroom and field-based learning, GGC’s online special education program gives future educators an opportunity to acquire the necessary assessment, instructional and consultation skills for working effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse children and/or adolescents who have special educational needs. Graduates will be prepared to work with students with special needs in preschool settings through grade 12 and will earn three endorsements: reading and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), and an autism endorsement.
GGC also offers an online special education program for current paraprofessionals who are employed in Gwinnett, Barrow, Cobb, DeKalb and Forsyth counties. The paraprofessional track allows you to continue working while earning your bachelor's.
The online special education program is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to prepare candidates for initial teaching licensure in the state of Georgia. Applicants who plan to pursue professional licensure or certification as part of this program must complete an attestation form indicating which state(s) they intend to seek licensure. Applicants seeking licensure in a state other than Georgia should contact the department chairperson and appropriate licensing entity in their state of interest for additional information and guidance.
Course catalog requirements for a bachelor's degree in education, special education
Teacher Certification Concentrations
The School of Education works collaboratively with the Schools of Liberal Arts and Science and Technology to offer teacher certification programs to teach grades six through 12 in six disciplinary content areas: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics and political science. Each B.S. or B.A. program includes a major in the appropriate disciplinary area plus professional preparation to teach in a Georgia secondary school. During the final year, students will participate in a year-long student teaching experience and complete a leadership seminar.
School of Liberal Arts
Course catalog requirements for English teacher certification
Course catalog requirements for history teacher certification
Course catalog requirements for political science teacher certification
Learn more about the School of Liberal Arts
School of Science and Technology
Course catalog requirements for biology teacher certification
Course catalog requirements for chemistry teacher certification
Course catalog requirements for mathematics teacher certification
Strengthening the Teaching Workforce
GGC is building the future of teaching in metro Atlanta by addressing K–12 teacher shortages and preparing the next generation of educators through the P-12 Teacher Workforce Program.
Accreditation
Georgia Professional Standards Commission Approval Status
The following teacher education programs at Georgia Gwinnett College are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission: elementary education, middle grades education, special education, and teacher certification tracks in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics and political science. Students completing these programs are eligible for initial teacher certification in the chosen content area.
National Accreditation
GGC’s educator preparation programs are nationally accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Approved programs include the following:
- Elementary education
- Middle grades education, math and science concentration
- Middle grades education, social science and English language arts concentration
- Special education
- Teacher certification tracks: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics and political science
Courses and curriculum
Course examples for an education degree (varies based on your chosen concentration):

Exploring Teaching and Learning

Choices for Life
Engaged Learning
GGC fosters partnerships with local community organizations to provide tangible experiences that move portfolios to the top of the employment pile.
- Academic conference presentations
- Internships
- Service learning
GGC also creates global engagement through study abroad opportunities.
Minors, Certificates, Certifications
Add Value to Your Degree
Degree-enhancing minors, certificates and certifications add value to your degree. Available options range from the sciences, technology, history, political science, writing, the arts and more.
Alumni Voices

Lizbeth Hidalgo Moran, ’24
Bachelor of Science in Education
“I chose education because from a very young age, I looked up to the educators who taught me,” Hidalgo Moran said. “I had positive experiences throughout my schooling, both academically and with my teachers. When I was trying to soul-search and determine if there was any other job I really wanted, I kept circling back to teaching.”
Transforming Lives
- Teacher, Level Creek Elementary School, Gwinnett County Schools
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Georgia Gwinnett College, 2024