Degrees & Majors
Choose from dozens of nationally ranked and recognized programs and more than 250 majors, minors and pathways at Georgia State offering the widest variety of fields of study.
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The information shared here is intended to provide an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more please refer to the university catalogs.
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), M.A.T.
The English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education degree program is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree and seek an initial teaching certification in ESOL (grades kindergarten through 12th grade). This program leads to a master of arts in teaching degree and a clear and renewable (T5) induction certificate in the state of Georgia. ESOL educators are responsible for teaching learners intellectual skills and knowledge that support English language learners’ cultural identities, languages and literacy development. Our urban communities need highly skilled, compassionate and advocacy-oriented ESOL teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. The ESOL degree program is grounded in educational theory, research and best practice, integrating principles of social justice and equity. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical teaching experience in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program also includes the option of pursuing a reading endorsement for individuals with an interest in teaching ESOL at the middle or secondary level (grade 6-12). Our dynamic program features technology integration and offers study abroad opportunities. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education. There is also an online version of this program. Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may requ ...
ESOL Endorsement
College of Education & Human Development
Graduate courses in bilingual/English as a second language give teachers additional training to work with non-English speaking or limited English speaking students at the early childhood, middle childhood and secondary school levels. ESOL endorsement Successful completion of the coursework and portfolio demonstrating competencies established for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers by Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) results in candidates being endorsed to teach ESOL in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must be admitted as graduate students to the College of Education & Human Development. Students who do not hold an initial certification in a teaching field may apply to the M.A.T. degree in reading, language and literacy education to receive initial certification in ESOL and a reading endorsement. View the In-Person Course Information Online ESOL endorsement Successful completion of the non-degree online ESOL endorsement coursework and a portfolio qualifies a person to teach ESOL in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Students seeking only the non-degree online ESOL endorsement must be admitted to the College of Education & Human Development as a non-degree student. All courses in the non-degree online ESOL endorsement must be completed online. No other courses may apply. View the Online Course Information
Exercise Science, B.S.
College of Education & Human Development
The exercise science program prepares students for careers in adult fitness and wellness, worksite health promotion/corporate fitness, personal training, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and other related fields. Preparation is also provided in biomechanical analysis, program management, sports skills development and enhancement, strength and conditioning, and related topics.
Exercise Science, M.S.
College of Education & Human Development
Our master's program in exercise science prepares students to conduct research in exercise science or pursue careers in worksite health promotion or fitness, cardiac rehabilitation or related clinical programs. The program includes classroom, laboratory, research and field experience in biomechanics, exercise physiology, psychology of physical activity and related interdisciplinary coursework in areas such as public health, gerontology and nutrition. Exercise science provides advanced academic preparation for a successful career in the health and fitness field or for advancement to doctoral-level study.
Health and Physical Education, B.S.E.
College of Education & Human Development
The teacher certification concentration is designed to prepare physical education teachers to educate pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students about physical and motor skills, individual and team sport skills and tactics, physical fitness, nutrition, and health to encourage active lifestyles across the lifespan. Students complete prerequisite classes and apply to the program in the spring of their sophomore year. After completing a series of activity and content classes in both physical education and health education, students will have the opportunity to complete methods of teaching classes in four settings (elementary, secondary, adapted physical education, and health education). Students gain full-time semester-long student teaching placements at both an elementary and secondary (middle or high school). Students who earn teaching certification can serve in a head coach position in public schools in Georgia. Sport Coaching is teaching in an athletic venue instead of a classroom. This program merges theoretical understanding of psychological, scientific, and pedagogical aspects of coaching with practical experiences to prepare students to succeed in coaching at all levels of sport. Students apply to the program in the spring of their sophomore year. Practical experiences in field-based settings with professional and community coaches, athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches underlie the application of theory and practice. The curriculum follows the knowledge and skills outlined by The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) National Standards for Sport Coaches preparing students to be effective leaders and advocates of athletes regardless of the sport. This concentration does not lead to initial teacher certification. Students graduating with a concentration in sport coaching are not currently eligible to serve as head coach in a public school K-12 setting. Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, educ ...
Health and Physical Education, M.A.T.
College of Education & Human Development
If you're looking to teach in health and physical education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade settings, our master of arts in teaching in health and physical education is designed for you. While in the program, students learn the content knowledge required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for certification in health and physical education and graduates are eligible for the induction teaching certificate in Georgia. Education programs leading to professional lic ...
Health and Physical Education, M.Ed.
Our program M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education degree is for those who are pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health and physical educators. This program will: Extend your content and pedagogical knowledge for improved professional practice. Develop leadership skills that will allow you to lead curriculum development, program administration and leadership roles at the local school level and in professional organizations at the state, regional and national level.
Health Literacy Graduate Certificate
College of Education & Human Development
Improved health literacy increases health equity. Addressing health literacy reduces disparities through improved communication between patients and health consumers and those who provide health information, such as doctors or public health workers. This online graduate certificate strengthens competencies already acquired in fields such as nursing, social work, public health and adult literacy. You will learn the importance of understandable and actionable health information, the challenges of acquiring and changing health-related behavior and the development of programs in the community for addressing low health literacy. The online Graduate Certificate in Health Literacy combines a theoretical and practical approach to issues of health literate communication in adult education, the health professions, healthcare administration and public health. This program is designed for : Adult educators Researchers Health care professionals Health system employees Public health practitioners A significant feature of this certificate is the collaboration among scholars and practitioners in adult education, the health professions, healthcare administration and health promotion and behavior. The program gives students a systematic understanding of how health literacy impacts education, health outcomes, health communication, health promotion and behavior between and among individuals, businesses, health care entities, and traditional and digital media. These skills are critical in industry, academia, business, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and government.
Human Learning and Development, B.I.S.
The Human Learning and Development program provides students an opportunity to acquire a career-oriented range of skills and knowledge. Students choose from the coursework in behavior and learning disabilities, counseling, deaf studies, educational psychology, family and community literacy, learning technologies, and research methods and problem-solving. Courses are taught by faculty across the College of Education & Human Development's seven departments. No application is required for this bachelor's degree. Students are required to declare two selected disciplines with their academic adviser or online.
Instructional Design and Technology, Graduate Certificate
The online graduate certificate in instructional design and technology prepares you for jobs focusing on the creation of training and education materials. The four courses in the program (12 credit hours) are from the master of science curriculum of the same name. You can complete the graduate certificate to reach your career goals or move on to the full M.S. program. Technology training needs have never been greater. Jobs for experts in managing e-Learning programs and performance support in the workplace are in high demand. You will gain the skills necessary to design, develop, facilitate and manage learning and technology training programs, including HR training and human performance support systems.
Instructional Design and Technology, M.S.
Become an expert in designing and delivering instruction in all formats with Georgia State’s online master of science in instructional design and technology. Our 36-hour online M.S. will have you creating dynamic and effective learning experiences while you dive into instructional systems theory and various forms of media and learning environments. Our graduates are highly regarded and are working in corporate settings of all sizes, higher education, non-profits and government organizations, as well as other educational settings. We also provide quality, network-building internships in the metro Atlanta area. A master’s degree in the field is desirable as organizations place greater emphasis on well-trained staff. Employers want critical thinkers who can serve in leadership roles to ensure that training is provided in ways that make sense for their employees. Instructional coordinators, designers and technologists are finding success in improving training and education. If you already work in the field, you will be putting to use right away the lessons you learn in your coursework. Note: The program does not lead to certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The Instructional Design and Technology program has attendance requirements and meets in online web conferencing sessions. You must be able to attend online class sessions that begin as early as 4:30 p.m. EST.
Instructional Technology, Ph.D.
College of Education & Human Development
The Instructional Technology Ph.D. program is designed for those working in the instructional technology field in a variety of educational, training and development areas, such as those found in schools, higher education, business, industry and government agencies. The Ph.D. prepares students to conduct research on technology-enhanced learning environments. The Instructional Technology Ph.D. program provides specialization for individuals in the following areas: instructional design alternative instructional delivery systems research management and consulting
K-5 Mathematics Endorsement
The 15-hour online kindergarten through 5th-grade mathematics endorsement program prepares you to hold the Georgia Professional Standards Commission endorsement and may qualify you for salary incentives in your district when available. The courses will develop your pedagogical content knowledge, mindset and instructional capabilities as an effective and equitable elementary mathematics teacher. You will take four courses that focus on elementary mathematics content and pedagogy and one course that serves as a field placement where you will apply in your classroom the concepts covered with supportive feedback. All required courses are completed online. The K-5 mathematics endorsement can be completed as a stand-alone program or embedded in a graduate degree such as an M.Ed., Ed.D. or Ph.D. You must hold a clear, renewable teaching certificate, level 4 or higher in one of the following areas: early childhood education, middle grades – mathematics or special education general curriculum/early childhood education. One year of teaching experience is required.
Kinesiology, Ph.D.
College of Education & Human Development
The Ph.D. in Kinesiology prepares students for research and teaching careers at colleges and universities and health, physiological performance, rehabilitative science, sport management and related fields.
Attainment of a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree ranks among the most respected accomplishments in any field.
Choose one of the following six concentrations:
- Biomechanics and Physical Rehabilitation
- Exercise Physiology
- Physical Education Teacher Education
- Psychology of Physical Activity
- Rehabilitation Science (only open to existing Department of Physical Therapy students)
- Sport Administration
Tuition
Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.
Literacy Coach, Graduate Certificate
Our literacy coach certificate addresses the growing need to support classroom teachers serving diverse populations. There is an increased demand for embedded professional development, as well as coaching and mentoring in school settings. The demand for school-based literacy coaches has increased over the past few years. The certificate program focuses on specialized coursework to prepare teachers to serve as highly qualified teacher/coaches equipped to collaborate across classrooms, with school administrators, parents and community representatives to improve student achievement. The Literacy Coach/Instructional Facilitator certificate program is an 18-hour program of study for students who already have a master’s degree or a minimum of nine hours of appropriate reading coursework. This training is restricted to those already employed as a literacy coach in a school setting.
Literacy Education Online, M.Ed.
The Reading, Language and Literacy Education M.Ed. online program is designed to prepare certified teachers and education professionals to serve as leaders in literacy education. Tailored for the working professional, this program is offered completely online. The goal of the program is to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to advance the literacy abilities of culturally, racially and linguistically diverse K-12 students in urban and multicultural learning environments. This online M.Ed. program requires completing 36 semester hours of coursework, an electronic portfolio, and state certification exams. Through coursework, M.Ed. students will learn the theoretical, historical and social foundations of literacy. They will also develop and implement literacy curricula, assessments and instructional strategies through supervised, online clinical experiences. The core literacy courses for this program meet the requirements for a reading endorsement, which prepares graduates as reading teachers, who provide engaging, culturally responsive, literacy instruction to K-12 students. Additionally, M.Ed. students choose from two literacy concentration areas: (1) Literacy Specialist or (2), English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Literacy Specialist Concentration The literacy specialist concentration leads to a literacy specialist certification, which prepares certified teachers for leadership roles in the field of literacy education. Literacy specialists in our program demonstrate an expertise in honoring and advancing the literacy abilities of racially, culturally and linguistically diverse students and promoting educational excellence and social justice in urban and multicultural educational settings. ESOL Concentration The ESOL concentration leads to an ESOL endorsement and provides advanced teacher preparation for individuals who have an interest in teaching English to speakers of other languages in K-12 classrooms. ESOL educators from GSU use a strength-based approach to leverage the literacy abilities of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals and promote educational excellence in ESOL programs. Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health ...
Literacy Education, M.Ed.
The M.Ed. in Literacy Education is a flexible, hybrid program with a mix of face-to-face and online classes, designed with the working education professional in mind. The program provides advanced educator preparation for the study of literacy processes and literacy instruction for culturally diverse learners in urban areas. This program is open to certified teachers, regardless of initial preparation area, and no GRE scores are required. If you are a teacher with a T4 and certified in Early Childhood Education, English Language Arts or Reading Education at grades 4-8 or 6-12, completion of this program results in eligibility for a certification upgrade. Students select from three areas of concentration: Digital Literacies (teacher certification is not required for admission) Families, Communities, and Culture (teacher certification not required for admission) Literacy Specialist (bachelor’s-level teacher certification in any related area of teaching required for admission) See the catalog for courses in each concentration. You may enter the program at any time and take classes at your own pace, and the program coordinator will work with you to ensure you have a workable plan. Classes are taught by outstanding, award-winning faculty affiliated with the Language and Literacy unit in Middle and Secondary Education. Professors have conducted research in literacy education. View M.Ed. in Literacy Education Sample Course Progressions Document » Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or p ...
Mathematics Education, M.A.T.
College of Education & Human Development
Mathematics educators are responsible for teaching learners the intellectual skills and knowledge across a comprehensive and coherent set of mathematics principles and standards for grades 6-12. Our urban communities need highly skilled mathematics teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. Mathematics educators create learning environments that enable students to learn mathematics by thinking critically, engaging them in mathematical practices and using critical thinking to make sense of core mathematical ideas. Such learning environments, grounded with research-based teaching strategies, embrace Georgia Standards of Excellence in Mathematics for depth and understanding. The secondary mathematics degree program is grounded in educational theory, research and best practice, integrating principles of social justice and equity. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical teaching experience in grades 6-12. Our dynamic program features technology integration and offers study-abroad opportunities. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools committed to excellence in education. The secondary Mathematics degree program is for students who hold a bachelor's degree and seek an initial teaching certification in Secondary Mathematics, grades 6-12. This program leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and a clear and renewable (T5) Induction Certificate in Georgia. Education programs leading to professional licensur ...