U.S. News Ranks MGA Online Graduate Education Program In Top 50

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 12:00 AM
Categories: Honors/Awards | Pressroom | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Macon, GA

The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings place Middle Georgia State University’s online graduate program in education in the top 50 nationally.  

Middle Georgia State (MGA) tied for 45th in the publication’s “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” category for 2024. MGA is one of only two institutions in the state with that program to rank in the top 50, the other being the University of Georgia.  

“We’re not surprised to receive this ranking because we’ve worked hard to develop a quality program and we’ve been able to see its impact on the knowledge and skills of our graduates,” said Dr. David Biek, dean of MGA’s School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, where the online Master of Arts in Teacher Education is housed.  

“Our MAT was the first in Georgia to be designated ‘pedagogy-only,’” Biek said. “This means that students in the program bring their content knowledge and expertise to the classroom, and we teach them how to teach. Our 30 credit-hour program is offered fully online and is completed in just 11 months, leading to teacher certification and a master’s degree. Another innovative feature is our web-based clinical supervision, meaning students can complete their student teaching anywhere, giving our program maximum geographic reach. Our program is also based on a residency model – our MAT students are practicing their teaching skills from day one, working in real classrooms while they hone their skills with our faculty’s guidance.” 

Middle Georgia State’s MAT provides a pathway to initial teacher certification and fosters applied research in the areas of teacher practice, student achievement, professional development, assessment, and innovation for graduates who already have earned a bachelor's from an accredited institution. 

First published in 1983, the U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges Ranking” is an annual set of rankings of colleges and universities and some of the programs they offer. In this year’s “Best Online Master’s in Education Program” category, MGA’s tie for 45th places the University in the top 15 percent.  

In evaluating online graduate education programs, U.S. News considered the factors of engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer assessment, services and technologies, and student excellence.  

In addition to the MAT, MGA will soon – pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges - offer an online graduate education program in Curriculum & Instruction with a literacy focus.