Certification Only Programs
(Non-degree Seeking)

The Tift College of Education offers initial certification programs to students who hold Bachelor's degrees from an accredited college or university in a major other than education and who wish to enter a teacher education program with the intent to seek initial certification in a teaching field.  Students who successfully complete the prescribed program of study will be eligible to apply for a clear renewable Georgia teaching certificate at the T-4 level.

Students in the certification only programs are classified as non-degree seeking.    The Early Childhood Education/Special Education General Curriculum certification program is available at all Academic Center locations:  Douglas County, Eastman, Henry County and Macon.  The Middle Grades certification program is available at the Douglas County, Henry County, and Macon Academic Centers.

Information regarding the Georgia Professional Code of Ethics, Mercer's Honor code, the Conceptual Framework, program goals, advising, and test information may be found in the General Information and Program sections of this Handbook.  All policies and procedures as outlined in other sections of the Teacher Education Handbook are applicable to Certification Only students.  However, certain criteria and standards have been amended as appropriate for Certification Only students.  Those criteria and standards are presented in this section of the Handbook.