Learn about the science behind Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and how to translate that into positive and compassionate student-centered policies that enhance morale and improve student engagement.
Locations
- Fully online (Fall, Spring and Summer entry)
Why Earn a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Endorsement at Georgia Southern?
- Earn the endorsement quickly with just 9 credit hours required.
- Enjoy the flexibility of fully-online coursework.
- Easy to add to the Curriculum and Instruction Accomplished Teaching M.Ed. as elective courses.
Georgia Southern’s program provides educators with deep and broad knowledge of content, pedagogy, assessment, and implementation science related to Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS). The PBIS standards used in this program prepare educators and educator candidates to effectively integrate PBIS into their own field-based practice and to assist other educators in utilizing PBIS for the improvement of climate and culture of districts, schools and classrooms.
PBIS standards have been proven through numerous pedagogical studies to improve and enhance the culture of classrooms and schools and the academic success of students. In this program, you will learn how to use those standards to support students emotionally, relationally and academically and, in turn, enrich the atmosphere of the learning environment for everyone.
This endorsement offers candidates a high level of flexibility. With only 9 credit hours that are fully online, the program can be completed quickly and in a manner that fits your schedule. Another advantage is that all three courses within the program of study may be taken as electives in the M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Accomplished Teaching program.
Ready to Apply?
What Can You Do With a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Endorsement?
Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (or, PBIS) is all about the student—how to improve behavior, how to intervene in ways that don’t disrupt a student’s learning and how to foster a positive and supportive climate in school settings. This program prepares you to help students, teachers and staff alike to build and contribute to effective learning environments centered on compassion, responsibility, support and care.
Where our graduates work:
- Public and private schools
- School district teams
What our graduates do:
- PBIS school and district teams
- Whole child professional development teams
- School climate specialists
What You’ll Learn
In the endorsement, you’ll learn about critical issues within student behavior as well as various data-driven models for positive behavior intervention in classroom settings.
Please Note: APBS membership is required for access to journals used in all three courses in this program. APBS membership information may be found on the Association for Positive Behavior Supports website.
Student Resources
From advisement and college forms to grants and clinical practice experience, our Student Resources page has what you’ll need.
Get Involved
The College of Education hosts several student organizations where you can find support and networking opportunities among your peers.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) is vital to helping children with disabilities thrive in the classroom. Learn more about Georgia Southern’s resources for understanding how to use AT successfully.
Take Action
Application Deadlines:
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 1
The application and all required documents listed on the “admissions requirements” tab for the program must be received by the deadline. If all required documents are not received by the deadline, your application will not be considered for admission.
Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application:
- Complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Possess a valid, level four or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate or Life certificate.
- Present a 2.75 or higher GPA on all undergraduate and graduate work combined.
- GRE or MAT scores will not be required for applicants who hold a clear renewable certification in a teaching, service or leadership field; instead the applicants must submit passing GACE or PRAXIS scores.
Provisional
Applicants may be approved for provisional admission based on the quality of the admission material presented. Provisional students must earn grades of “B” or higher through all course work after admission and meet any other stipulations outlined by the department.
Note: International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA.
The Georgia Southern University Office of Graduate Admissions oversees the application process for graduate students. You can apply today and review requirements and deadlines.
The College of Education at Georgia Southern is accredited by the following bodies:
- The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
- The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
For more information, visit the College of Education.
The College of Education offers several scholarships and grant opportunities for graduate students. For an overview, please visit here.
Tuition and fees charged by Georgia Southern University are approved by the University System of Georgia annually. For a comprehensive costs and affordability analysis, please visit here.
The College of Education anticipates that graduates of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Endorsement program will seek a certification upgrade. The program listed above leads to a Georgia Certificate Upgrade only. Visit the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for more information.
Federal Law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosures include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, the complaint processes, adverse actions, refunds, and program closure.
For required disclosures about online programs offered by the University, visit the Georgia Southern State Authorization and Professional Licensure Webpage.
Related Programs

Take the Next Step
Discover the science and best practices behind nurturing supportive and positive educational environments. Learn more about earning your Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Endorsement.
Contact Us
Program Director
Dr. Kymberly Harris
P.O. Box 8134
Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-5041
Fax: 912-478-0026
kharris@georgiasouthern.edu
Advisement
Ms. Kelly Kennedy
Graduate Academic Services Center
College of Education, Room 3166
P.O. Box 8083
Statesboro, GA 30460
912-478-1447
kdkennedy@georgiasouthern.edu