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.
Master of Music, Concentration in Jazz Studies, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Jazz Studies concentration offers a comprehensive approach to developing competence in jazz performance, improvisation and knowledge of jazz history. It also equips students with professional skills in establishing and maintaining high school or college-level jazz programs while nurturing their creative talents in jazz arranging and composing.
The program provides valuable opportunities for students to engage in quality jazz organizations, including large jazz bands and jazz combos. Furthermore, students will enhance their playing by participating in academic jazz courses such as jazz improvisation, jazz arranging and jazz pedagogy, among others. This integrated approach ensures a well-rounded jazz education and fosters both practical and academic growth in the field.
We offer jazz studies degrees in the following areas:
- Instrumental
- Voice
- Piano
Master of Music, Concentration in Music Education, M.Mu.
The online Master of Music in Music Education at Georgia State’s College of the Arts is designed for music teachers aiming to advance their knowledge and skills in music education. This fully online program blends advanced studies in music with pedagogical techniques tailored for both current and aspiring music educators. This program focuses on enhancing teaching effectiveness in school music programs. It covers:
- Pedagogical strategies in music education.
- Curriculum development for diverse educational settings.
- Incorporation of technology in music education.
- Research in music education to inform teaching practices.
The Master of Music program in Music Education prepares you to:
- Enhance your instructional skills and strategies to foster musical understanding and appreciation in students.
- Conduct and apply research to improve music education practices.
- Utilize technology effectively in music education settings.
- Lead and inspire in a variety of educational contexts, ensuring the highest standards of musical education.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural and philosophical contexts of music education.
Master of Music, Concentration in Orchestral Conducting, M.Mu.
The Master of Music with a concentration in Orchestral Conducting program at Georgia State University has a multifaceted approach, focusing on three primary objectives. We aim to develop and enhance students’ conducting skills through podium time with our GSU Symphony and Campus Orchestra in addition to conducting opportunities with local ensembles. Secondly, the program seeks to refine students’ musical, leadership and administrative skills in the context of orchestrating ensembles. Lastly, it prepares students for professional conducting positions and advanced studies in conducting at the doctoral level.
As part of this comprehensive program, students have the opportunity to serve as assistant conductors for the Georgia Philharmonic and learn from professional orchestras in the area: The Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, and Atlanta Baroque Orchestra. Frequently, our students attend rehearsals of the Atlanta Symphony and work with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and Family Concerts in various capacities. We also have a strong relationship with the Metropolitan Symphony Youth Orchestras, where our students frequently serve as coaches. The Georgia State Orchestral Conducting concentration is designed to nurture active orchestral conductors, fostering their potential as professional conductors.
If you are a conductor already working in the field, you may want to consider our Low-Residency Master of Music, Concentration in Conducting.
Master of Music, Concentration in Orchestral Instrument Performance, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Master of Music in Orchestral Instrument Performance program prepares students for rewarding careers as performing musicians or studio instructors. This specialized pathway emphasizes the development of a strong foundation in music reading and performance, nurturing students’ skills and musicianship to excel in their chosen orchestral instrument. Through active participation in bands, choirs, or orchestras, students gain valuable ensemble experience and develop the ability to perform collaboratively with others. They also have opportunities to showcase their talent as soloists and in small group settings. With dedicated private study and guidance from experienced faculty, students refine their technical proficiency, musical interpretation and expressive artistry.
Master of Music, Concentration in Piano Pedagogy, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Piano Pedagogy concentration is a comprehensive and innovative pathway for cultivating the next generation of piano teachers and educators. This concentration equips students with the competence for effective studio or class teaching of piano across all age levels. The program seamlessly integrates artistic performance, techniques of verbal and musical communication, knowledge of appropriate piano literature and adept use of methods and instructional materials to foster successful teaching. Through hands-on experiences, theoretical exploration and practical teaching opportunities, students gain a profound understanding of nurturing musical talent while instilling a lifelong passion for the piano.
Master of Music, Concentration in Piano Performance, M.Mu.
A concentration in piano performance at Georgia State University caters to individuals aspiring to become professional performers or collaborative pianists. It serves as a pathway for students pursuing graduate studies and also prepares them for careers in teaching, both in academia and private studios. Students benefit from personalized instruction by our exceptional music faculty, enabling them to strive for excellence in performance and develop a strong sense of professionalism.
Master of Music, Concentration in Voice Performance, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University voice performance concentration prepares students for dynamic careers as performing musicians and studio teachers, offering comprehensive training at advanced levels for excellence in opera, oratorio, song recital and advanced vocal instruction. Through rigorous coursework and practical experience, students cultivate a deep understanding of vocal technique, interpretation, stage presence and repertoire, receiving personalized instruction from accomplished faculty for invaluable mentorship and guidance. Focused on honing performance skills, students actively participate in various vocal performances, showcasing their talents and building a versatile repertoire. The emphasis in Voice equips students with the necessary expertise and artistic finesse to pursue fulfilling careers as captivating performers and respected educators in the realm of vocal music.
Master of Music, Concentration in Wind Band Conducting, M.Mu.
The Master of Music program at Georgia State University, with a concentration in Wind Band Conducting, is meticulously crafted to cultivate and elevate students' conducting skills while providing insights into the administrative aspects of directing collegiate wind band programs. Through a comprehensive study of repertoire, students not only develop their musicianship and artistry but also acquire the skills to effectively manage and organize successful performances. This program serves as a robust foundation for those aspiring to pursue doctoral studies in conducting. Prospective students must undergo a conducting audition or submit a videotape as part of the application process.
For educators looking to continue teaching while working toward an advanced degree, we also offer a Master of Music, Concentration in Conducting, M.Mu. (Low Residency) program in a hybrid modality; fully online during the academic year (fall and spring) with in-person sessions during the Summer I Session (June).
Music Industry/Management, B.S.
The Bachelor of Science in Music Management program at Georgia State University offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving music industry. With a focus on business, entrepreneurship and artist management, the program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the competitive music business landscape. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical experiences and industry internships, students gain a deep understanding of music marketing, promotion, copyright law, finance and contract negotiation.
The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership abilities, enabling students to navigate the challenges and seize opportunities in the rapidly changing music industry. With a faculty composed of industry professionals and experienced educators, students receive valuable insights and guidance from experts who are actively engaged in the field.
Music, Dual B.Mu./M.Mu. Program
Music, Dual B.Mu./M.Mu. Program
The School of Music offers a dual Bachelor of Music and Master of Music program for all Performance concentrations, Jazz Studies, Composition and Piano Pedagogy. The dual-degree opportunity enables qualified students to enroll in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program and apply the coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s programs. The program is designed to take five years to complete.
Students must be formally accepted into the dual-degree program by the school and the College of the Arts to be able to take graduate courses as an undergraduate. Acceptance into the dual program does not constitute admission to the master’s program. Students must fulfill regular graduate admissions requirements and apply for the master’s program following college processes.
Through the dual-degree programs, highly talented and qualified students will have the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years. If determined to be qualified by typical admission measures, students can begin taking coursework toward the designated master’s degree program while still completing their final year of bachelor’s work. Admission to the graduate program is provisional, contingent upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree, maintenance of the required 3.5 GPA and performance in the graduate-level courses taken during the bachelor’s degree.
Non-degree Licensure Program in Music Education
The total course work typically requires two years of enrollment, including student teaching. For students holding a Bachelor of Music or Master’s degree, and who do not need the instrumental techniques courses, the program typically requires four semesters, about 33 credit hours. For those students holding a Bachelor of Arts degree, the program typically requires six semesters totaling 37+ credit hours. Following assessment of background and proficiencies, the music education faculty will plan a program of study for each admitted student. Admission to the graduate program does not assure admission to the licensure program.
The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university.
The graduate programs in the School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. The school enrolls about 90 students in Master of Music degree programs, Artist Certificate programs, and Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in music education.
Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.
Photography, B.F.A.
The undergrad photography program provides a critical and conceptual grounding for students as they independently pursue their studio practice. The weekly seminar serves as the backbone of the program. Critical theory is stressed while critique forms the basis for dialogue about ongoing work. Students are encouraged to look beyond established photographic conventions and to push their work in new directions. Creative investigation across disciplines is avidly supported and results in students working in mixed media, video, digital, installation, performance and conventional photographic print media. Guest critics and guest artists are invited to final critiques to supplement the expertise of the faculty.
Photography, M.F.A.
The Georgia State University Graduate Photography program provides students with a critical and conceptual grounding as they independently pursue their studio practice. The weekly seminar serves as the backbone of the program. Critical theory is stressed, while critique forms the basis for dialogue about ongoing work. Students are encouraged to look beyond established photographic conventions and to push their work in new directions. Creative investigation across disciplines is avidly supported and results in students working in mixed media, video, digital, installation, performance and conventional photographic print media. Guest critics and guest artists are invited to final critiques to supplement the expertise of the faculty.
Printmaking, M.F.A.
The Georgia State University M.F.A. in Studio with a concentration in Printmaking supports artists who explore unique approaches to the creative endeavor and who transcend boundaries. We are interested in applicants searching for new insights into our culture and time. The faculty encourages innovative and original ideas.
The curriculum of the Printmaking program ensures a comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various approaches to media, content, imagery and teaching styles of our faculty. Students are encouraged to explore the continuing traditions of drawing and painting as well as printmaking and to work in pursuit of new forms and with contemporary issues. While students work in the drawing, painting and printmaking combined seminar for a majority of their studio credit hours, they are highly encouraged to move among media with other studio areas within the School of Art & Design.
The Printmaking program integrates a number of traditional and alternative printmaking techniques, including etching, lithography, screen-printing, monoprinting, photo-transfer processes, block printing, book arts, papermaking and computer-based imaging. The print shop, book and paper-making facilities are frequented by photo, graphic design, textile and drawing and painting majors as well as printmaking majors, creating a lively atmosphere and interchange between disciplines.
The Sculpture emphasis fosters thoughtful integration of concept and media. Students explore diverse interests while acquiring skills in woodworking, metal fabrication, casting and digital technologies. The program offers a full range of courses in traditional media and contemporary methodologies and encourages innovation and experimentation in performance, installation and other sculptural media. The B.F.A. in Studio with an emphasis in sculpture readies students for graduate work and other creative professional opportunities.
Students benefit from the initiatives of the Edgewood Sculpture Forum, the chartered student sculpture group. The Edgewood Sculpture Forum brings visiting artists to the school for lectures and workshops, conducts the annual Holiday Iron Pour, organizes exhibitions of student work in the Atlanta community and procures funding for travel to conferences.
Sculpture, M.F.A.
The Georgia State University Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Sculpture program emphasizes professional skills and achievements and fosters personal direction, diversity, technical proficiency and professional presentation. The Sculpture program offers a highly progressive curriculum that considers Sculpture as a broad-based, interdisciplinary practice while fostering technical mastery of the material. The individual direction of each student is further developed and focused through intensive time in the studio, group interaction across disciplines and periodic critical reviews. Sensitive handling of material and depth of inquiry are the unifying characteristics of work made in the Sculpture M.F.A. program.
The program emphasizes group seminars and critiques to provide a variety of settings for the development and exchange of ideas relevant to the arts in general and sculpture in particular. In the final two semesters of the graduate program, the student completes a thesis exhibition and writes a supporting thesis paper.
A strong component of the graduate program involves assistantships in either studio work or in teaching undergraduate-level courses. Students may teach a variety of courses during their studies, from Foundations to Introductory Sculpture. These experiences in conjunction with the acquisition of professional skills such as resume writing, job application skills and self-promotion prepare the student with the tools to be a professional artist once studies are complete.
Studio, B.A. in Art
The Bachelor of Arts – Art, Concentration In Studio is the initial degree that undergraduate studio art students are accepted into at Georgia State. A student can elect to apply to the B.F.A. program or remain a student in the B.A. In Studio program. A student in Studio Art must first complete the 18 credit Foundation Area (Area F) required courses in order to enroll in the 3000 level Studio Art courses that serve as the student’s audition to the B.F.A. program. Should a student choose not to apply to a B.F.A. concentration, these initial courses also complete the Studio Art course requirements (9 courses in Studio art) for the B.A. The intent of the bachelor of arts in Studio is to have four different types of art-making courses represented in the studio coursework (a B.F.A. has focused study in one area).
Students benefit from the initiatives of the Edgewood Sculpture Forum, the chartered student sculpture group. The Edgewood Sculpture Forum brings visiting artists to the school for lectures and workshops, conducts the annual Holiday Iron Pour and silent art auction, organizes exhibitions of student work in the Atlanta community, procures funding for travel to conferences and participates in the management of the student-run art space, CAGE SPACE. The activities of the Edgewood Sculpture Forum are supported by the Art Student Union, the umbrella organization for chartered student groups in the school.
Textiles, B.F.A.
The Textiles emphasis fosters personal exploration of subject matter, technical proficiency in a broad range of working methods and professional presentation. Textiles is presented in both historic and contemporary contexts, demonstrating the continuing relevance of the field and its many applications. The work produced in the Textiles B.F.A. has prepared students for careers in fine art, the textile industry, the film industry, and graduate study.
Once accepted into the program, students in the Textiles emphasis begin with basic textile design courses providing a foundation in surface design and basic sewn structures. At the intermediate and advanced levels, students broaden their technical experience by learning hand and digital processes in quilting, embroidery, pattern design, pattern printing. Students also learn soft sculpture processes, hand and machine tufting, on and off-loom weaving and other flexible forms.
Students are encouraged to develop multi-media and inter-disciplinary approaches, and take electives in other disciplines.