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.
Fall 2025 Cohort (applications for this cohort close on May 27, 2025 at 5 p.m.)
M.Ed Elementary Education (Grades K - 5) -- West Georgia's Program Details
The Master of Education with a Major in Elementary Education degree is designed to prepare academically grounded instructional teacher leaders.
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education is required
- GPA of 2.7 on most recent degree is required for admission
M.Ed Instructional Technology (Grades 6 - 12) -- 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
M.Ed Reading (Grades K - 12) -- West Georgia's Program Details
The M.Ed. with a Major in Reading Instruction engages certified educators in literacy theories, research, and instructional practices that enhance reading and literacy instruction.
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher is required
- Must hold a current level 4 or higher teaching certificate (see program details for an expanded listing of appropriate certificates)
- Must have at least 3 years of acceptable teaching experience in an accredited PK-12 school
M.Ed Special Education (Grades K - 12) -- West Georgia's Program Details
The M.Ed. in Special Education is designed to prepare educators with a current teaching certificate to strengthen their leadership and advocacy for improvement of behavioral and educational outcomes of students who have diverse needs.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required
- GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate work is required for admission
- Current renewable teaching certificate in Special Education is required
Ed.S Elementary Education (Grades K - 5) -- West Georgia's Program Details
The Ed.S. in Elementary Education is designed for educators with a Master’s degree and prepares teacher leaders to apply innovative, research-based practices in elementary education.
- Master's degree required
- GPA of 3.0 on most recent degree is required for admission
Ed.S Instructional Technology (Grades 6-12) -- 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.S Special Education (Grades K – 12) -- West Georgia's Program Details
The Ed.S. in Special Education is designed to prepare educators who have a master’s degree in special education. This program requires educators to engage in research with major topics in Special Education.
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution is required
- GPA of 3.0 average or higher required on all graduate work
- Clear and renewable T-5 teaching certificate in special education or service certificate in speech-language pathology is required
