Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

 

Options for Pursuing Initial Teaching Certificate in Computer Science (P-12)

Students interested in pursuing a teaching career in Computer Science may avail of the following options to earn their initial teaching certificate through the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. The initial certification in Computer Science spans grades PreK-12 allowing certified teachers to teach across the continuum in elementary school, middle school and high school. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) is the state regulatory body that issues teaching certificates.

Option 1: Pursue initial certification at the T5-level  through MGA’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Students pursuing our MAT will receive a master’s degree as well as be recommended for a T5-level teaching certificate. In addition to standard admission requirements, students will need to complete their undergraduate degree in Computer Science as well as two state mandated assessments – the GACE Computer Science Assessment – Test 555, and the GACE Ethics Assessment – Test 360. The GACE Computer Science Assessment must be passed at the professional level with a minimum score of 250 or above. The GACE Ethics Test 360 uses a Pass / Fail format and the Completion Certificate for the test is required for program admission.

Initial teaching certification in Georgia requires actual on-site teaching in the specific content in a general education classroom in aligned grade band(s). For Computer Science (PK-12), this means that the student could be either – (i) already teaching on a Provisional License / Waiver (applied for by the hiring school district); or (ii) provided with a MGA placement / internship (these placements / internships are unpaid). Per GaPSC rules, teachers on provisional licenses have up to three years to earn in an initial certificate through a program such as our MAT.

Option 2: Pursue initial certification at the T4-level through the GaTAPP. Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) is an alternative pathway for students interested in pursuing initial teaching certificate at the bachelor’s level should contact their local Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) regarding the requirements for the GaTAPP.

Additional Information regarding the MAT program, GACE Assessments, and the GaTAPP program may be accessed through the following links: