Online Birth Through Five, Graduate Certificate

Students can begin the program in any semester and earn their certificate within 2 to 3 semesters depending on course load.

When applying to the Birth Through Five Graduate Certificate you will need to submit several documents for review:

• Online application
• Application fee of $50
• Goals statement (upload with the application)
• Resume (upload with the application)
• Proof that you meet certification requirements in Georgia (upload teaching certificate to application)
• Official transcript(s): minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA or a master’s degree required for admission consideration. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302

The Birth Through Five Graduate Certificate program is a 12-month, fully online graduate certificate program. Prospective post-bachelor degree students receive advanced-level educational experiences focused on innovative research and equity-based professional learning best practices for the young learner.

Five three-credit-hour courses comprise the program. It serves as a pathway for students interested in pursuing a master’s degree within the Early Childhood and Elementary Education department. The courses are not sequential and are offered once per year in fall, spring or summer in lieu of a cohort model.

Specifically, students can use all 15 hours of the certificate program towards the Master of Arts in Creative and Innovative Education degree program.

Students in the Birth Through Five Graduate Certificate program will have the opportunity to collaborate with and engage in coursework experiences with local, state, national and international professionals and leaders in early care and education.

Students will also build a professional portfolio that demonstrates advanced foundational knowledge of key concepts in child development, educational equity and early childhood education.

Program of Study

• BRFV 7200 Introduction to Administration and Organization of Programs for Young Children (3)
• BRFV 7250 Professional and Ethical Practice: Birth Through Five (3)
• BRFV 7360 Child Guidance Birth Through Five (3)
• ECE 7990 Special Topics (3)
• ECE 8100 Children in Society (3)

Program total: 15 semester hours

For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

Affording Your Online Graduate Certificate
Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances, and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

Learn more about the cost of an online graduate certificate, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study.

Contact Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

Use the Student Financial Services Guided Paths to walk you through the Financial Aid Process and learn about all our options for financing your education.

• New Students
• Continuing Students

Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits. Download our guide to How to Start Your VA Benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see TAP Tuition Assistance.

While this program will not be offered using a cohort model, each course will be offered once per year (fall, spring or summer) to allow for 12-month completions. The courses are not sequential which will allow for three enrollment options per year. We project 25-30 participants each year. We expect a long lifespan of this program. Demand should increase with time given demographic shifts.

Goals and outcomes of this online graduate certificate include:

• Examining historical and contemporary theories and practices related to human development in childhood
• Identifying concepts of childhood from a variety of cultures and historical periods
• Developing knowledge and skills in planning, implementing and maintaining an effective early childhood program
• Demonstrating knowledge, skills and dispositions that enable effective professional work in a variety of settings with children aged birth through five years of age
• Demonstrating ability to design and implement in-school and out-of-school experiences that are equitable and culturally relevant, and promote children’s holistic development (physical, cognitive, cultural, social and emotional aspects of development and ways of collaborating with parents and the community)