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.
Psychology, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
The General Clinical Psychology concentration trains psychologists committed and equipped to improve the human condition and alleviate suffering through transdisciplinary scientific inquiry and advanced psychological assessment and intervention. The program meets American Psychological Association (APA) requirements for doctoral training in clinical psychology. Upon graduation, students will have completed predoctoral requirements for clinical licensure in most states and will have solid preparation for American Board of Professional Psychologists certification in their areas of specialty. For more information about professional licensure, download our Professional Licensure Sheet PDF document.
Our students are trained as scientist-practitioners. They develop skills at critically evaluating and integrating information, generating hypotheses or alternative explanations that are grounded in the research literature, developing methods to evaluate those hypotheses or explanations and communicating effectively in scholarly and lay contexts. They also learn to deliver state-of-the-art clinical services, applying assessment and intervention techniques that are grounded in scientific evidence.
We offer three clinical training concentrations: General Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology and Clinical/Community Psychology. Each prepares students for distinctive paths within psychology.
Welcome from the Directors of Graduate Studies
FAQs for Graduate Program Applicants
Faculty Accepting Students
Psychology, Ph.D., Clinical/Community Psychology
College of Arts & Sciences
Training in the joint Clinical/Community Psychology concentration is informed by the traditions of prevention and social justice in community psychology and by the focus on assessment and individualized mental health interventions in clinical psychology. This dual-enrollment program provides a strengths-based, culturally competent approach to mental health and healthy development that emphasizes theory, research and practice at multiple levels of analysis – psychological, sociopolitical and ecological. Upon graduation, students will have completed predoctoral requirements for clinical licensure in most states and will have solid preparation for American Board of Professional Psychology certification in their areas of specialty. For more information about professional licensure, download our Professional Licensure Sheet PDF document.
In addition, CLC students receive training in a range of indirect services necessary for interventions at the institutional and community levels:
- Consultation
- Program development and evaluation
- Social policy
- Action research
The CLC concentration is jointly administered by the Community and Clinical program areas. Students participate in both the Clinical Psychology and Community Psychology program areas. Faculty in areas serve as primary advisers. A secondary adviser is assigned in most cases to ensure appropriate training in both areas.
We offer three clinical training concentrations: General Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology and Clinical/Community Psychology. Each prepares students for distinctive paths within psychology.
Welcome from the Directors of Graduate Studies
FAQs for Graduate Program Applicants
Faculty Accepting Students
Psychology, Ph.D., Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience
The Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (CAN) concentration focuses on the neural bases for cognitive and affective processes in humans, and typically uses a combination of psychological experimental methods and non-invasive imaging techniques in healthy populations.
Our program is unique in that some faculty also focus on clinical populations or the translational components of noninvasive nonhuman primate-based research. The focus of this work is on its direct or translational value to human cognition and emotional systems.
Graduate students earn a master’s degree en route to the Ph.D. degree.
The CAN Ph.D. concentration does not provide clinical training nor is the primary work in behavioral neuroscience. Students interested in neuropsychology and clinical licensure should apply to the Clinical Neuropsychology (CLN) concentration. Students interested in behavioral neuroscience and/or research on basic model organisms should apply to the Neuroscience Institute.
The CAN and other faculty with neuroimaging research interests are involved in the Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS) with regular presentations and speaker series, collaborative projects and research initiatives.
Georgia State has a rich neuroscience community that fosters collaboration among our colleagues in the Neuroscience Institute and the Georgia State/Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Brain Imaging.
Welcome from the Directors of Graduate Studies
FAQs for Graduate Program Applicants
Faculty Accepting Students
Psychology, Ph.D., Cognitive Sciences
The Cognitive Sciences concentration encompasses interdisciplinary interests in experimental psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, computer science and translational science. With cognition as its unifying thread, the program provides opportunities to specialize in research and training in basic or applied cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social cognition, language and cognitive development, psycholinguistics and comparative cognition.
Research methods include noninvasive behavioral and cognitive testing with children, adults and non-human primates, as well as electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, diffusion tensor imaging, eye-tracking, virtual reality/virtual environment testing, neurogenomics and cognitive neuroinformatics.
We accept students with wide-ranging interests across the cognitive sciences for this terminal Ph.D. program. Students shape their own programs of research in consultation with their advisers. Prospective applicants should contact faculty for more information about individual research programs.
Specific faculty interests include learning and memory; language acquisition and use, including the roles of experience, gesture and specific brain structures and processes; economic decision-making; attention and executive functioning (such as metacognition, planning, cognitive control); false memories and eyewitness accuracy; decision-making, including speeded judgments, economic decision-making and reasoning; inequity perception and response; comparative cognition; individual and group differences (such as species, race, gender, diagnostic category, age); cooperation and prosocial behavior; and brain-behavior relations that underlie various cognitive competencies.
Welcome from the Directors of Graduate Studies
FAQs for Graduate Program Applicants
Faculty Accepting Students
Psychology, Ph.D., Community Psychology
College of Arts & Sciences
Ph.D. students in the Community Psychology concentration receive training that will enable them to conduct research and collaborate with communities to improve the well-being of individuals and social settings.
Community psychologists:
- Seek to expand "helping" beyond traditional psychotherapy to promote wellness.
- Engage in action-oriented research to develop, implement and evaluate programs.
- Base their work on a scientific foundation to better understand the multiple influences of the social environment on health and wellness.
- Build collaborative relationships with community members, groups and organizations to solve social problems.
- Consult with and provide tools to organizations to build capacity to address social problems such as exploitation and victimization.
- Analyze government, civic life and workplace settings to understand and improve fair and diverse participation.
- Fight oppression, seek to reduce social inequalities and work with marginalized people toward their empowerment.
The department also offers a joint concentration in community-clinical psychology and a dual program in public health and community psychology.
Students in the Clinical-Community (CLC) concentration seek training in clinical and community psychology and aim to be eligible for clinical licensure following graduation. Dual enrollment provides a strengths-based, culturally competent approach to mental health and healthy development that emphasizes theory, research and practice at multiple levels of analysis — psychological, sociopolitical and ecological.
The dual M.P.H.-Ph.D. program in Public Health and Community Psychology provides professional and graduate students with a solid and well-rounded background across two disciplines. Successful candidates will earn a master of public health degree upon completion of the graduate health behavior and promotion concentration or the epidemiology concentration offered by the School of Public Health and a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) upon completion of the community psychology concentration.
Our faculty share a common perspective as researchers rooted in psychology and informed by related disciplines, such as education, public health, sociology and women’s studies. We share an emphasis on changing resources, social norms and public policies that affect individuals and the contexts surrounding people’s lives (for example, social institutions, neighborhoods, families). We are involved at the local, state, national and international levels and work with community and governmental organizations to design, implement and investigate the efficacy of social interventions using a variety of research methods ranging from rigorous experimental designs to qualitative case studies. We collaborate with community partners to evaluate and improve existing programs.
Welcome from the Directors of Graduate Studies
FAQs for Graduate Program Applicants
Faculty Accepting Students
Public Policy, Ph.D.
Societal needs—for economic growth, better health care, environmental protection, etc.—and resource limitations challenge policymakers to make difficult public policy choices. The doctoral program in public policy prepares its graduates to conduct original research to help scholars and policymakers understand the trade-offs involved in such choices across a broad range of critical issues. Students can focus on:
- Policy analysis and program evaluation: How can we predict the consequences of our policy choices? What values should drive those choices? How can we determine which government and nonprofit programs work – producing benefits that exceed their costs?
- Public budgeting and finance: How can governments raise the funds necessary to provide public services in as equitable a manner as possible without impeding economic growth? How should and do governments decide which services and programs to fund? How can taxes achieve socially desirable goals?
- Public and nonprofit management: How should functions be divided among the governmental, nonprofit and for-profit sectors? How should managers allocate financial and human resources to meet public needs? How should managers balance equity and efficiency claims?
- Urban and regional planning and development: How can we assess and evaluate the complex and dynamic context and forces that shape the growth of cities, communities and regions? What strategies can be employed to promote equitable and sustainable development? What roles do systems (for example, transportation, housing) play in creating the environments and communities we desire?
Public Policy, Ph.D. (Joint with Georgia Tech)
The joint doctoral program in public policy combines the strengths of Georgia State's Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Public Policy.
The Andrew Young School ranked 19th overall among graduate programs in public affairs in a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking, as well as No. 8 in local government management, No. 5 in public finance and budgeting, No. 4 in urban policy, No. 8 in nonprofit management, No. 16 in public management and leadership, and No. 17 in public policy analysis. Our faculty was the 5th most prolific in public administration journals over the past decade.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy No. 4 in information and technology management and No. 11 in environmental policy and management.
Public Policy/Juris Doctor, M.P.P./J.D.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, College of Law
Georgia State University's College of Law and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies offer a joint Master of Public Policy/Juris Doctor degree. This dual degree program provides an opportunity to pursue studies in law and public policy concurrently. Students in the dual degree program use credit hours earned in one program to satisfy some or all of the elective course requirements for the other program, thus earning both degrees one to two terms earlier than would be required to earn each separately.
A joint M.P.P./J.D. prepares students to meet the increasing necessity of lawyers with an expertise in policy analysis and evaluation and for policy analysts with legal expertise. Many recent law graduates are employed by government agencies, and others are employed by private and nonprofit sector, including consulting firms and community development nonprofit organizations concerned with some of society’s most challenging public policy issues. Training in public policy is valuable to law graduates who seek this kind of employment.
Real Estate Concentration, Ph.D. in Business Administration
Robinson College of Business
The Ph.D. in real estate program is designed to develop strong research skills and focused study on the function of real estate markets and institutions.
The program is aligned with doctoral programs in finance and economics — two disciplines that provide the theoretical foundation and methodological framework for our understanding of markets. Our graduates tend to secure faculty appointments at universities or research positions within industry and government.
Tuition
Students typically offset the cost of the program through an assistantship that includes full tuition waivers. Contact us for information on tuition and funding your doctoral studies.
Adenike Brewington, [email protected]
Risk Management & Insurance Concentration, Ph.D. in Business Administration
Robinson College of Business
The Ph.D. program in risk management and insurance is designed to educate students in the concepts and analytical techniques required for cutting-edge research related to risk.
The program encompasses the study of the sources of risk, the effects of risk on the decisions of individuals and firms, the impact of these decisions on society, and the management of risk through financial institutions. Scholarly research at the frontier of risk management requires in-depth study of economics, finance, applied mathematics and statistics.
This training typically leads to academic careers at other major business schools and economics departments, or research positions in banks or insurance firms. In keeping with the broad, interdisciplinary nature of the department, the faculty publish risk-related research in top journals in economics, finance, applied mathematics, statistics and actuarial science.
Tuition
Students typically offset the cost of the program through an assistantship that includes full tuition waivers. Contact us for information on tuition and funding your doctoral studies.
Adenike Brewington, [email protected]
School Psychology, Ph.D.
The School Psychology, Ph.D. 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].
The Georgia State University School Psychology, Ph.D. program is designed for students pursuing careers as university professors, researchers, clinicians, school-based practitioners, or educational leaders. As one of the nation's first APA-accredited school psychology programs, our program has an established record of educating highly skilled school psychologists. Our program is focused on preparing future psychologists to deliver mental health and educational services to children and adolescents, families and educators in diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographic settings. Completion of the doctoral program contributes to students’ eligibility to become licensed and practice as a psychologist.
- APA accredited and National Association of School Psychologists approved
- Nationally known faculty
- Recognized among the top APA-accredited programs in research productivity
- Consistent record of external funding from state and federal research grants and contracts which provide ample opportunities for student funding
- Our program is committed to providing students with opportunities to publish articles and book chapters, present research at national and regional conferences and serve on state and national task forces/committees
- Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data
Sociology, Joint M.A./Ph.D.
College of Arts & Sciences
The Joint Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree program in sociology is designed for students who are entering graduate studies with a B.A. degree and for students with graduate degrees in non-social science fields.
The program provides students with both a broad exposure to the discipline of sociology as well as in-depth study in special areas of expertise.
The broad knowledge of sociology comes through coursework in a variety of substantive areas, as well as through training in research methodology, statistics and theory. Most of the faculty’s interest and expertise lie in six specialty areas:
- Gender
- Health
- Life Course
- Race and Ethnic Relations
- Sexualities
- Urban Studies
The Sociology Department is located in the heart of Atlanta, within walking distance of the State Capitol and City Hall, and close to other major political, economic and cultural centers. This connection with a large, vibrant urban community provides an ideal learning environment for students.
Sociology, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Sciences
The Ph.D.-only program is focused on producing highly skilled researchers who can perform research in both academic and non-academic environments.
This program is appropriate for students who have completed a master’s degree in sociology or a closely related social science field. Students with graduate degrees in non-social science fields are accepted into our Joint M.A. /Ph.D. program.
The Sociology Department is located in the heart of Atlanta, within walking distance of the State Capitol and City Hall, and close to other major political, economic and cultural centers. This connection with a large, vibrant urban community provides an ideal learning environment for students.
Teaching and Learning, Ph.D.
The Ph.D. major in Teaching and Learning is designed to prepare you as a professional educator for leadership positions by developing a substantial knowledge base in one of the following areas of concentration:
- Language and Literacy Education
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Science Education
- Social Studies Education
- Teaching and Teacher Education
In addition, the program prepares professional educators as scholarly inquirers who ask thoughtful questions, who can conduct sound inquiry and who can recommend informed policy.
Translational Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D.
The Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. offers an innovative and interdisciplinary training experience designed to position graduates to contribute to the improvement of human health through various biomedical science related careers.
Key areas of educational and research focus will be complemented by cross-training in business and entrepreneurship to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how to take discoveries from the "bench to the bedside."
Students will experience:
- A signature, interdisciplinary curriculum with a focus on professional development
- Mentorship from world-class researchers and distinguished faculty
- Hands-on participation in cutting-edge biomedical research
- State-of-the-art research facilities
- Vibrant campus life in downtown Atlanta
Opportunities for research areas of focus include:
- Life-threatening Infectious Diseases (COVID, STDs, Ebola, Flu, RSV, Measles, Pneumonia)
- Inflammatory Diseases (IBD, otitis media, autoimmune)
- Therapeutics (Novel COVID-19 antiviral drugs)
- Vaccines (Universal vaccines for coronavirus, Flu, STD)
- Microbiome
- Translational Immunology and Immunotherapy
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders
Urban Studies, P.h.D.
Looking to further your interest in urban topics? Ready for that next level? The Urban Studies Institute’s PhD in Urban Studies prepares students for academic and research careers at the forefront of urban analysis.Our doctoral students work alongside top faculty in their fields and join future leaders passionate about solving urban community issues.
The doctoral curriculum provides a rigorous grounding in urban theory and praxis and methodological training to analyze complex challenges emerging within urban environments and processes. Our program draws from the interdisciplinary expertise of core and affiliate faculty to enable students to build core analytical competencies and translational research skills needed to interpret, evaluate, and communicate across diverse urban domains. Students work with the support of faculty advisors to build a program of study tailored to their individual interests, objectives, and future goals.
The PhD in Urban Studies emphasizes the development of fundamental research competence, flexibility in the design of special area of study, and encouragement of joint student/faculty research and teaching.