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.
Search results are alphabetized
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.
American Sign Language Pathway, A.A.
Perimeter College
What Is American Sign Language?
Perimeter College offers beginning- through intermediate-level classes in American Sign Language. Students on a guided pathway in American Sign Language can earn an associate of arts degree. American Sign Language is the third most studied world language in the United States and can be a valuable asset as a secondary skill for employment.
Why Study American Sign Language?
Learning a new language can expand a student’s thinking, perspective and opportunities. Georgia State Perimeter College’s guided pathway in American Sign Language prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in interpreting, education or social service.
A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
Applied behavior analysis is an applied science that focuses on identifying how environments affect behavior and how we can use that information to develop effective behavior change strategies across a wide range of settings and populations. It teaches mastery of basic behavior-analytic skills, such as measurement, experimental design, and various principles and procedures of behavioral change to help students become better therapists, teachers and clinical practitioners.
The mission of Georgia State University’s M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is to train the next generation of behavior-analytic scientist-practitioners who: (1) are grounded in the concepts, principles, philosophy, and evidence-based practices derived from the experimental and applied analysis of behavior, (2) can ethically and compassionately apply this knowledge to problems of social significance, and (3) are prepared for clinical practice, doctoral study, or both.
Features of the program include collaborations with faculty members, opportunities for applied fieldwork and research experiences, an emphasis on ethical, compassionate, and inclusive applications of the science of behavior, and a cohort model that fosters lasting professional relationships.
The program’s coursework is aligned with ABAI’s tiered model of accreditation standards. To access current certification examination pass rates, current and potential students may visit BACB's University Pass Rates page. For more information on the faculty, our research, news and other items of interest regarding Applied Behavior Analysis, visit our ABA unit page.
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 plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Art Education, B.F.A.
The Georgia State University undergraduate concentration in Art Education prepares pre-kindergarten through 12th grade art educators with expertise in the visual arts and the skills to plan and teach in a way that is responsive to all students and their communities.
The program builds a community of collegial professionals who demonstrate disciplinary expertise, including art teaching skills with sound pedagogical strategies, an understanding of current scholarship and issues within the field and the ability to positively impact student learning. Special emphasis is placed on the teaching of diverse learners in urban and metropolitan settings. The program bridges the gap between theory and practice—helping students develop skills as an instructor and an artist.
Art Education students benefit from the activities of the National Art Education Association, which provides a variety of early professional experiences for pre-service teachers, including the organization of exhibitions of art education student and alumni artwork, the sponsorship of fundraisers and service projects in the Atlanta area and travel to state and national conferences.
The program also reflects a professional art school commitment to the mastery of art media. Students are required to take several courses in one art discipline to gain the depth needed for teaching and personal artistic development, as well as a broad range of elective studio courses to master the diverse skills that will be needed as a classroom teacher.
The student experience: Three of the four pre-student-teaching courses include on-site classroom observations. The last semester of the program is spent student-teaching with master's-level teachers in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Art Education, M.A.T.
Georgia State University's Master of Arts in Teaching, Art Education (M.A.T.): Students seeking a teaching certification at the graduate level may apply to the M.A.T. in Art Education. Candidates for the M.A.T. may be asked to complete additional coursework as advised by graduate faculty based on the portfolio review. Students in this program may be artists who have worked in the community, experienced art teachers or recent art graduates.
Audiology Assistant Certificate
College of Education & Human Development, Perimeter College
An audiology assistant is a person who, after appropriate training and demonstration of competency, performs delegated tasks that are prescribed, directed and supervised by a certified or licensed audiologist. Audiology Assistants improve access to patient care by increasing the availability of audiology services. They also reduce costs by performing tasks that do not require the professional skills of a certified or licensed audiologist.
The Audiology Assistant Certificate program at Georgia State University offers coursework and supervised clinical experiences to prepare students for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification exam and credentialing.
This hybrid format certificate program is ideal for prospective undergraduates or post-bachelor degree students. It also serves as a pathway for students interested in pursuing and applying for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or clinical doctorate in audiology.
The catalog listing is expected to be available in March 2023. For more information, view the College of Education & Human Development undergraduate admissions page, Audiology Assistant Certificate section.
Audiology Specialty Certificate
Georgia State University's Audiology Specialty Certificate is designed to provide professionals in other disciplines an in-depth knowledge about audiologic assessment procedures, as well as a robust understanding about audiologic and communication management resources for the hard of hearing and deaf populations.
Postbaccalaureate/graduate students with a unique interest in the following areas and/or populations can greatly benefit from this certificate: pediatric and school-age hearing-impaired and deaf populations, adults and elderly populations with hearing loss and related communication problems, cochlear implants, auditory processing disorders (i.e., management and intervention techniques), auditory training, aural habilitation/rehabilitation, comprehensive assessment of communication needs and hearing conservation, among others.
This fully online program is designed to be completed in two consecutive semesters, primarily via synchronous meetings.
Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Music Education, B.Mu.
The Georgia State University Bachelor of Music with a Music Education concentration offers a comprehensive and enriching program for aspiring educators passionate about fostering musical growth and learning in diverse educational settings.
This concentration prepares students to teach music in schools or other group settings, covering early childhood through adulthood. Graduates are eligible for a Georgia teaching certificate in K-12 music. In addition to developing performance skills, students study child development, learning theories and various teaching methods specific to music education.
Applicants are expected to have a strong background in music performance and music reading, coupled with a genuine interest in sharing their love of music with others.
Birth Through Five, B.S.Ed.
The B.S.Ed. program in birth through five (B-5) prepares teachers and other early care and education professionals to work in varied settings with young children and their families. Age ranges from infancy through kindergarten, including children who are typically developing and those with disabilities.
Our program:
- Offers evening and online classes
- Allows students to complete clinical field experience in their work-based settings
- Prepares students to be innovative, creative and high-quality early childhood educators
- Offers certification and non-certification options
There are two concentrations:
- Teacher certification
- Non-teacher certification
Teacher Certification leads you toward completing all requirements for a certification in this field. The non-certification program is not eligible for certification.
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 plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Birth Through Five, Graduate Certificate
The Birth Through Five Graduate Certificate is an online program for professionals who currently work in early care and learning settings and individuals interested in pursuing careers within the diverse professional field of early care and childhood education.
This certificate program was designed with three specific objectives:
- Provide a flexible professional development format for the early childhood workforce
- Offer a quality, student-centered online teaching and learning approach to early childhood teachers’ preparation
- Introduce students to the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Master of Arts in Creative and Innovative Education degree program
Tuition
Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.
Chemistry, M.S., Concentration in Chemistry Education with Teacher Certification
College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education & Human Development
The Master of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in Chemistry Education and teaching certification is designed to prepare students for the growing need for chemistry teachers in middle and high schools, particularly in the Atlanta Metro Area.
Students in this program will take courses in chemistry and education to deepen and expand their content knowledge and enhance their teaching skills and pedagogical content knowledge.
Masters’ students in the Department of Chemistry typically receive a tuition waiver and a stipend, allowing students to complete this program without taking on a significant financial burden.
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.
College of Education & Human Development
The Georgia State clinical rehabilitation counseling program is an on-campus learning experience that prepares students to help people with cognitive, physical, sensory, psychiatric and other disabilities from all cultures, races and backgrounds.
Rehabilitation counselors assist people with disabilities to become more independent, increase their access to education and employment and ensure they are respected members of society.
This program was accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs through October 31, 2027.
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 plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.
College of Education & Human Development
The Georgia State University communication sciences and disorders program offers a unique educational opportunity for students to become highly qualified speech-language pathologists.
Our downtown Atlanta location gives students excellent clinical experiences across the city. Our faculty’s commitment to students' success provides an exceptional learning environment. Cohorts of 30-32 students begin each fall semester, and students receive individual attention and work together throughout the year.
The program's intensive field-based education prepares students to:
- Implement best practices in the profession
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients
- Work collaboratively with other professionals who serve individuals with communication disorders and their families
- Pursue opportunities for advanced degrees
The Master of Science education program in speech-language pathology at Georgia State is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
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 plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) trains researchers and scholars to address the needs of children and adults with communication disorders. The program prepares doctoral students for academic careers in research and university-level teaching in speech-language pathology, and speech and language science. Students make significant contributions to the profession’s research base.
The objectives of the doctoral degree in communication sciences and disorders are:
- To develop doctoral students to become researchers and scholars in the vast area of communication sciences and disorders.
- To prepare doctoral students who are equipped to lead and collaborate across disciplines.
- To prepare doctoral students who will pursue and obtain research faculty positions at research colleges and universities in CSD programs and related disciplines.
Students now have the option of full- or part-time enrollment in Georgia State University's CSD Ph.D. program. Full-time enrollment consists of nine credit hours per semester; part-time enrollment consists of up to six credit hours per semester which allows our doctoral students added flexibility and the opportunity to continue their regular employment in Atlanta's excellent schools, clinics and hospitals. The curriculum plan for students choosing part-time enrollment must still be completed within the time frame stipulated by Georgia State University.
Comprehensive Intervention Model
The Comprehensive Intervention Model (CIM) is a well-coordinated, Response to Intervention seamless design for providing intervention services to struggling readers.
The CIM is a systemic model for reversing the reading failures of struggling readers through layered interventions, including differentiated classroom instruction and supplemental interventions in small groups or one-to-one.
The goal is two-fold. In kindergarten through third grade, the goal is to increase the overall literacy achievement by the end of the third grade and to reduce the number of children identified with learning disabilities within 1.5% or less of the general population.
In fourth through sixth grade, interventions focus on research-based strategies for reading and writing in the content areas.
Computer Science Endorsement
The computer science endorsement program is 100% online and designed for teachers who are interested in adding computer science to a current, renewable teaching certificate held in another content area.
Candidates who successfully complete the program are prepared to effectively teach computer science courses at the pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade level.
The program has four courses:
- Digital literacy, information literacy and cybersecurity
- Computational thinking and human-computer interaction
- Programming concepts for teachers
- Computer science teaching methods
The first two courses are completed during the fall and spring semesters asynchronously, meaning that while students follow a group pace, there is no synchronous class time. Work is completed as fits the teacher's schedule.
The programming and methods courses are offered over the seven-week summer semester in partially synchronous courses. These courses typically meet online once a week with other coursework completed between meetings.
Applicant’s certificate level must be level SRT4 or higher and at any grade level pre-kindergarten through 12th grade or another eligible field.
Counseling Psychology, Ph.D.
Counseling psychology is an applied specialty within the field of psychology that has focused on client strengths, the interaction between the person and the environment, multiculturalism and career development. A Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology prepares students for a broad range of leadership roles, including university professors, researchers, psychotherapists, consultants, or directors of psychological services. Our program classes are in downtown Atlanta near five American Psychological Association-accredited pre-doctoral internship sites, where our students can take advantage of practicum training opportunities. Completion of the doctoral program contributes to students’ eligibility to become licensed and practice as a psychologist.
The Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Validation can be attested by contacting the APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; telephone 202-336-5979; email: [email protected].
Potential applicants, view more detailed information on the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program.
Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data for Georgia State Counseling Psychology Program
Counselor Education and Practice, Ph.D.
Move your life forward toward obtaining a doctorate degree to better enhance your career prospects in the field of counseling. Our Counselor Education and Practice Ph.D. is the degree program for you if you are interested in educating, training and supervising future clinical mental health, clinical rehabilitation or school counselors. This program is also for those interested in research, leadership and social justice in the counseling profession.
Our Ph.D. degree is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This program nurtures students to generate their own research, critically enhance their counseling competencies and advance new skills in teaching and clinical supervision. Upon completion of the program, students teach and supervise in university settings, work in community agencies as clinicians and administrators and become directors of practice and research institutes.
Students also have the capability to continue specializing and developing areas of expertise in the following areas:
- Multicultural counseling
- Play therapy with children and adolescents
- School Counseling Systems
- Trauma and stress
- LGBTQ issues in counseling and counselor education
- Disability, health and chronic illness
- Suicide and crisis
- Program evaluation
- Quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methodologies
Creative and Innovative Education, M.A.
The M.A. program in creative and innovative education (MACIE) is designed for people who wish to further their knowledge about children as creative thinkers and innovative makers. Our graduates work in diverse fields, such as business, nonprofits, the creative arts, kindergarten through 12th grade education and community outreach organizations.
- Education courses provide students with a background in child development theories, learning strategies, critical and creative thinking skills and examinations of children’s lives in contemporary society, all through the lens of creative education
- Additional coursework in business, policy, education or the arts allows students to focus on content that will prepare them for their specific goals
- Apprenticeships connect students with organizations and businesses in the metro-Atlanta area to expand their knowledge and skills in areas such as nonprofit organizations, start-up companies, after-school programs and teacher leadership
Note: This program does not prepare students to earn a Georgia teaching credential.