Thank you for your interest in the Georgia’s BEST program. The University of West Georgia and the Cobb County School District have established a collaborative partnership designed to enhance professional practices and to promote student learning. Through this dynamic partnership, the University and West Georgia and the Cobb County School District are “Building Educator Success Together.” 

Interested candidates are encouraged to carefully review the application process to ensure understanding of expectations, deadlines and program communication.

Minimum Requirements to Apply (visit Georgia’s BEST website for more information)

• Cobb County School District certified staff and certified paraprofessionals
• Completion of an acceptable baccalaureate degree at a four-year college or university
• In good academic standing at the last college or university attended 

Program Experience

• Students engage in collaborative learning through their membership as a cohort member for the duration of their program.
• Each program offered has a Program of Study identifying the graduate level courses and sequencing completed each term by the cohort.
• Participation in the Georgia’s BEST program is rigorous. Applicants should consider personal and professional commitments and requirements to ensure full commitment to the program. 

Important Dates

• Please visit the Georgia’s BEST website for information updates.

Inquiry period

• Certified staff members receive an email invitation to express their interest in participating in one of the graduate programs for the specified term.
• Interested candidates must their Cobb School District email address for initial communication and interest purposes.
• Review the specific certification considerations for the desired graduate program. The Certificate Upgrade Advisor is a resource provided by the PSC to identify possible degree programs. Candidates interested in the Doctor of Education in School Improvement must pay careful attention to their specialist degree and current certification(s) to confirm program eligibility.
  Please note: the Certificate Upgrade Advisor is a resource only. A formal review of program certification requirements must be conducted to confirm eligibility.
• Due to the timeline, candidates are strongly encouraged to be familiar with the protocol followed to request official transcripts to allow time for delivery from all schools attended. It is recommended candidates request official electronic transcripts.
• An information session will be held for interested candidates. Representatives from the Georgia’s BEST program will share program information and breakout sessions by program will be available.
• Important: submitting your indication of interest does not constitute a formal application to the Georgia’s BEST program. Your submission does not guarantee acceptance in the desired program.

Provisional period

• Candidates selected through the Cobb County School District will be invited to apply to the University of West Georgia via the email address entered during the inquiry phase from the Graduate School. Frequently check the spam/junk folder for the personalized application link.
• Important: the UWG email will contain the link to the application. Use this link to formally apply only. Candidates should not submit applications directly to the Graduate School using the link available on the University of West Georgia website.
• Candidates should be attentive to the given deadline for application and required document submission identified by the Graduate School.

Acceptance

• The University of West Georgia will notify selected program participants by email using the email address entered during the inquiry phase. 
• Participants must submit their confirmation of program participation by the identified date using the link provided in the email.
• Accepted participants are expected to regularly review their UWG emails. Important communication from the university will be sent to this email address. Information will be sent about setting up student accounts.
• Further correspondence will be shared with participants prior to the start of the first term about courses, course materials and onboarding.

Waitlist

• The Graduate School will notify waitlisted candidates by email. Please refer to the information and directions provided by the Graduate School.

What if I am not accepted into Georgia’s BEST during the application window? May I apply again?

• Yes. Interested candidates waitlisted or who are not selected are strongly encouraged to re-apply later for program admission. Please check the Georgia’s BEST program page for information about programs of study to be offered the next term.