Frequently Asked Questions - UGA SLM Program

Contact the Graduate School and request that an application package be sent to you. They can be reached by phone: (706) 542 1739, or by e-mail (gradadm@arches.uga.edu). All of the forms (Application, Recommendation letters) can also be obtained from the UGA Graduate School Web site.There is also a complete on-line version of the UGA Gradute 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 (e.g. General, School Library Media, or Technology Integration).
Contact every college you attended and have them send two official transcripts directly to the Graduate School Admission Office.
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 most 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 will not have to re-take the GRE, according to Graduate School rules. 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?
As stated in IT's Admission Requirements, 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.

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 Gwinnett University 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 GUC), 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?
We have designed a program that blends face-to-face classes and online classes to provide an accessible time and place for most working professioThis question is difficult to answer because it will vary according to how many courses you need, how many semesters you plan to enroll, and possible tuition raises. For an estimate of M.Ed. costs, see the TIP M.Ed Program Admission Page. For an estimate of Ed.S. costs, see the TIP Ed.S. Program Admission Page. (The Technology Integration Program, or TIP, is a "sister" program to the SLM program, and costs should be very similar.)

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