Welcome to Georgia's BEST, a recruitment and retention support for educators led by the Cobb County School District and University of West Georgia (UWG).
Together, we are committed to supporting you and are excited to offer graduate degrees, at no tuition cost to you.
How to Apply | Frequently Asked Questions |
Those who have applied for Georgia’s BEST in the past will need to fill out a new application.
Please do not apply to the University of West Georgia until invited.
January 2025 Cohort (applications for this cohort close on September 23 at 5 p.m.)
M.Ed Instructional Technology -- West Georgia's Program Details
The Master of Education in Instructional Technology degree is designed to prepare innovative, academically grounded instructional technologists.
- Bachelor's degree required
- GPA of 2.7 on most recent degree is required for admission
Ed.S Instructional Technology -- West Georgia's Program Details
The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology is designed for educators with a Master’s degree and provides superior student-focused education that is personally relevant and intellectually challenging.
- Master's degree required
- GPA of 3.0 on most recent degree is required for admission
Ed.D School Improvement -- 60 Hour Track -- Ed.D in School Improvement | UWG (westga.edu), Doctor of Education with a Major in School Improvement | UWG (westga.edu)
Concentrations in:
The Doctor of Education in School Improvement Program is a 60-hour program that offers a unique opportunity for educators looking for an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based doctoral program that prepares graduates to become change agents in the PK-12 schools they serve.
- Additional requirements include a personal statement, writing sample, and curriculum vitae (see link for complete requirements and writing prompts)
- Master’s in selected concentration required
- GPA of 3.0 on most recent degree is required for admission
Ed.D School Improvement -- 33 Hour Track for Individuals with an Earned Ed.S. -- Ed.D in School Improvement | UWG (westga.edu), Doctor of Education with a Major in School Improvement | UWG (westga.edu)
The Doctor of Education in School Improvement Program is a 33-hour program that offers a unique opportunity for educators looking for an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based doctoral program that prepares graduates to become change agents in the PK-12 schools they serve.
- Additional requirements include a personal statement, writing sample, and curriculum vitae (see link for complete requirements and writing prompts)
- Ed.S. degree required
- GPA of 3.0 on most recent degree is required for admission
MAT Special Education (for paraprofessional-to-educator certification) -- West Georgia's Program Details
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education program is available for paraprofessionals who hold an existing, approved degree in any field. This program leads to certification in grades P-12 and gives the student a Master’s degree at the same time.
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Concentration in General Curriculum
- Leads to initial certification
- GPA of 2.7 on most recent degree is required for admission
Additional programs of study coming soon.
