Degrees & Majors

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...