Gifted Education (P-12), Master of Arts (MA) - OFFERED FULLY ONLINE
Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program in Gifted Education
Mission Statement
The Master of Arts in Gifted Education supports the mission of Piedmont University by preparing students to become effective teacher-leaders in the field of gifted education, using research, strong knowledge of evidenced-based practices, and professional collaborative skills to effect positive change in schools.
Prerequisite Degree: Clear renewable certificate in any field of education and a minimum of three years of teaching experience.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Gifted Education is a 30-39 credit program providing advanced, in-depth preparation for educators who desire to teach gifted learners or currently serve gifted students at the classroom, school, and district levels. Completion of this program leads to recommendation for advanced certification in the area of Gifted (P-12) Consultative. Candidates may also be eligible to request the addition of the Gifted In-Field Endorsement to their existing Georgia teaching certificate upon completion of the required M.A. coursework.
The Master of Arts degree in Gifted Education does NOT lead to initial certification; degree completion leads to advance certification in Gifted (P-12) Consultative in the candidate’s area of content certification.
Program Requirements
Elective Courses
Six Elective Hours (Must be graduate courses – 5000 level or above – in candidate’s area of certification – selected with approval of advisor)
Required Courses
| EDUC 6607 | Fundamentals of Learning and Cognition | 3 |
| EDUC 6642 | Critical Thinking and Creativity in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDUC 6699 | Methods and Interpretation of Educational Research | 3 |
| EDUC 7703 | Social, Cultural, and Ethical Perspectives of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 7724 | Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Students | 3 |
| EDUC 7725 | Enrichment Programs for Gifted Learners | 3 |
| EDUC 7740 | Advanced Research to Practice in Gifted Education | 3 |
| EDUC 7788 | Capstone/Exhibition | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Foundational Courses
Each candidate is required to complete the following foundational courses, if not taken previously, in addition to the required course work for the degree program. Candidates who begin the program with the Gifted In-Field Endorsement added to their existing Georgia teaching certificate may be exempt from these courses. Certified Georgia educators may be recommended for the Gifted In-field Endorsement upon completion of these foundational courses:
| EDUC 7721 | Characteristics of Gifted Students | 3 |
| EDUC 7722 | Assessment of Gifted Students | 3 |
| EDUC 7723 | Programs, Curriculum and Methods for Gifted Students | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Total Credit Hours: 30-39