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.
English, M.A., Literary Studies
The M.A. program in Literary Studies fosters an environment of critical engagement with the most pressing questions in contemporary literary and cultural studies. Students work with some of the profession’s most talented and productive teachers, scholars and theorists in the fields of American, British and world literatures, cultural studies and folklore.
Students in the M.A. program:
- Undertake coursework that exposes them to the breadth of literature in English from the Middle Ages to the present and to the methods and theories that have shaped literary criticism and scholarship
- Regularly deliver papers at international, national and regional conferences
- Gain valuable professional and organizational experience through participation in the South Atlantic Modern Language Association, an organization of teachers and scholars in modern languages and literatures that is headquartered in the department
- Work as editorial and research assistants with the department’s academic journals, Studies in the Literary Imagination and Eudora Welty Review
- Gain pedagogical and leadership experience through tutoring positions in the department's Writing Studio
- Pursue interesting internship opportunities with local businesses and nonprofit organizations
- Receive preparation for further graduate study in prestigious national and international doctoral programs
English, M.A., Rhetoric and Composition
We offer the largest Rhetoric & Composition program in the Southeast, with eight specialized faculty members in rhetoric, composition, digital media and communication, writing center theories and pedagogies, and language studies.
Within our distinctive curriculum, students can combine areas of interest across historical periods, current composition studies, rhetorical theory, visual and digital rhetoric, new and emerging media, advanced academic writing, language studies, writing center studies, writing program administration, and professional writing. No other university in Georgia offers these comprehensive graduate academic programs in rhetoric and composition. We provide internship opportunities for graduate students with our department publications, nonprofits, and other Atlanta-based organizations, and we offer mentoring and training in the teaching of writing and writing program leadership.
The Writing Studio is an on-campus tutoring and teaching site serving Georgia State students from all majors and providing our graduate students with an active academic research site where they can pursue theses in writing center strategies and pedagogy. Graduate student staff members have presented conference papers, published articles, book chapters and book reviews, and have received International Writing Center Association Research Grants.
Writing Across the Curriculum is a faculty development program geared toward helping faculty use learner-centered, active pedagogical strategies for developing all students’ writing and communication abilities across the undergraduate curriculum. Its faculty participants have made significant contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Environmental Epidemiology Concentration, MPH
School of Public Health
Georgia State's Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Environmental Epidemiology prepares students for research and practice in identifying and analyzing the distribution and determinants of disease, with a particular focus on diseases that are linked to a broad range of environmental conditions and exposures. This concentration provides students with foundational knowledge in epidemiologic methods together with fundamental skills in the disciplines essential to the practice of environmental health.
The knowledge and skills obtained in the environmental epidemiology MPH concentration allow graduates to seek employment in areas that require:
- A fundamental understanding of environmental contributions to the epidemiology of non-communicable and communicable disease.
- The ability to formulate strategies to evaluate the impact of environmental health related interventions.
- The application of epidemiologic methods to investigate and address environmental problems.
Tuition
Learn more about the cost of a master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.
Georgia State is dedicated to making our programs affordable and accessible to all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student's future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.
Environmental Health Concentration, MPH
School of Public Health
Georgia State's Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Environmental Health prepares students for research and practice in the study of environmental factors, including the biological, physical and chemical factors that affect the health of a community.
Environmental health investigates how environmental agents, from the molecular to the ecological level, as well as natural and human-created environments, affect health. Addressing all the physical, chemical and biological factors external to a person, coupled with all related factors affecting behaviors, environmental health seeks to assess and control these factors to prevent disease and create health-supportive environments.
The concentration teaches the core environmental health disciplines—exposure assessment, toxicology, risk assessment, and air and water pollution—and offers additional areas of specialization, including food safety, occupational health, infectious diseases, environmental epidemiology and urban health.
Tuition
Learn more about the cost of a master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.
Georgia State is dedicated to making our programs affordable and accessible to all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student's future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.
Epidemiology Concentration, MPH
School of Public Health
Epidemiology studies the distributions and determinants of disease, disabilities and death in human populations; the characteristics and dynamics of human populations; and the natural history of disease and the biological basis of health.
Georgia State's Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology provides a solid base in epidemiologic methods, including multivariable methods, time-dependent analysis and an introduction to Bayesian approaches, while training students with an in-depth understanding of cancer and HIV; cardiovascular, infectious and sexually transmitted diseases; and environmental epidemiology (in conjunction with the environmental health concentration).
Students can also focus on prevention methods. In conjunction with the biostatistics concentration, students learn to use analytic software such as SPSS, SAS and STATA.
Tuition
Learn more about the cost of a master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.
Georgia State is dedicated to making our programs affordable and accessible to all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student's future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.
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.
Executive MBA
Robinson College of Business
Robinson's Executive MBA is a 17-month lock-step cohort program designed for mid-to-senior level professionals who want to fill in the gaps in their business knowledge, build leadership skills, and develop a broader network. CEO Magazine ranks us 7th in the U.S. and 23rd worldwide. Plus, per U.S. News & World Report, Georgia State is the #2 most innovative university in the country.
Easily Start the Application Process
You do not have to fully complete the application in order to start the process. To be considered for a personal interview, simply fill out the biographical information, upload your resume, and click submit. (You can worry about the rest of the application later. An EMBA representative will contact you to answer questions and explain the next steps.
No Test Scores Required
A GMAT or GRE score is not required. though applicants who do not hold a four-year degree must submit test scores.
Tuition
The program fee includes tuition, class materials, additional certificates, assessments, leadership and career coaching, mentoring, and more. See the Tuition tab below for more details.
Exercise Science, M.S.
College of Education & Human Development
The Georgia State M.S. 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.
Film/Media Production, B.A./M.A. Dual Degree
Film/Media Production, B.A./M.A. Dual Degree
The Georgia State University School of Film, Media, & Theater offers a professionalized dual-degree program for bachelor of arts (B.A.) Film students aspiring for advanced honors-level and master of arts (M.A.) thesis production. This program is designed to take five years (including a student’s freshman and sophomore years), at the end of which, a student will receive both a bachelor of arts degree in film and media and a master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in film, media and digital imaging. The dual-degree program is ideal for students who are sophomores or juniors and want to use their senior year as a segue into graduate work. The senior year would involve advanced coursework that one would usually take in the first year of the M.A. program. The first (and only) year of the M.A. program would involve only advanced coursework and the thesis film.
Finance, M.S.
Robinson College of Business
Robinson’s M.S. in Finance is a forward-looking, STEM-designated program focusing on corporate finance, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and fintech. For 2022, TFE Times ranks the program second among public universities and 8th in the nation. The program lasts only 12 months.
Application Process
- Online application and $50 application fee
- Video interview
- A GMAT or GRE score is not required.
- College transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume – Work experience preferred but not required.
Additional requirements apply for international applicants
Learn more about the application process and what you will need to apply.
Tuition
Georgia residents: $37,500
Non-Georgia residents: $43,500
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250
Tuition is subject to change.
Fintech Innovation, Graduate Certificate
Atlanta is the fintech capital of the world. Atlanta-based firms handle 70 percent of the credit, debit, and prepaid card sales in the nation, hence the city’s nickname, “Transaction Alley.” In the state of Georgia alone, more than 5,000 opportunities will emerge in this sector over the next few years. There is no faster, more affordable way to learn key fintech concepts than through the Certificate in Fintech Innovation at the Robinson College of Business.
The certificate will ground you with an understanding of the impact fintech technologies make on the financial services field. By the end, you will be able to tackle business problems with creative and innovative fintech-driven solutions.
Application Process
- Online application and $50 application fee
- College transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume – Work experience preferred but not required.
- Additional requirements apply for international applicants
Learn more about the application process and what you will need to apply.
Tuition
Georgia residents: $3,654 per semester
Non-Georgia residents: $8,508 per semester
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250
Tuition is subject to change.
Please note: the above tuition rates apply to new non-degree-seeking students. Current master's students who embed a certificate within their degree will be charged at a different rate. See the Tuition tab below to learn more.
Geographic Information Systems, Professional Certificate
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used every day, most often for mapping points of reference and data related to points on the Earth’s surface. GIS jobs are plentiful and growth in the industry is expected to continue in the coming years.
With the Georgia State GIS graduate certificate, you will be able to start or advance your career in:
- Urban and regional planning
- Environmental resource management
- Surveying, cartography and mapping
- Geospatial data analytics
The faculty and staff in the Georgia State University Department of Geosciences are well networked in GIS-related industries and firms in the Atlanta area and beyond. Through applied projects, students will gain real-world experience in utilizing mapping and geospatial technologies to address pressing social and environmental concerns.
Our faculty have expertise in GIS, geography and geology, and we specialize in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry, global climate change and solving urban environmental problems.
All courses required to earn the certificate can be completed online. Courses are taught asynchronously. There may be opportunities for workshops or tutorial session on campus.
Geosciences B.A./M.S. and B.S./M.S.
Geosciences B.A./M.S. and B.S./M.S.
Georgia State University students can fast-track their education and save money on tuition by earning bachelor's and master's degrees in geosciences in as little as five years.
Students can choose from a B.A. or B.S. program, enrolling in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program that count toward both the bachelor’s and M.S. in Geosciences degree. Students in the 4+1 "Dual Degree" program can choose from a wide range of areas of study to match their interests and career goals:
- Bachelor of Arts concentrations are offered in geography and urban studies.
- Bachelor of Sciences concentrations are offered in geology, environmental geosciences, geography and urban studies.
- The Master of Science program offers concentrations in geography, geology and water sciences.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographical information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, M.S., Geography Concentration
The Master of Science in Geosciences with a Geography concentration allow students to specialize in urban studies, geospatial technologies or physical geography/environmental studies. Thesis and capstone tracks are available.
The Department of Geosciences is distinctive because it spans the social and physical dimensions of environmental and resource issues, with a special focus on urban communities.
Our faculty have expertise in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry and global climate change. We are also expanding our Geographic Information Science research and teaching to better represent and describe the complexity of social and environmental concerns.
Joining forces with our students and community partners, we tackle the interrelated environmental and social challenges of the 21st century that involve the quality, quantity and sustainable use of our natural resources.
Geosciences, M.S., Geology Concentration
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program with a Geology concentration offers a broad range of courses that prepare students for research and professional careers. Thesis and capstone option programs are offered. Research efforts are in the following broad areas: geochemistry (analytical, aqueous, environmental, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary), mineralogy, hydrogeology, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology and geoinformatics.
The Department of Geosciences is distinctive because it spans the social and physical dimensions of environmental and resource issues, with a special focus on urban communities.
Our faculty have expertise in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry and global climate change. We are also expanding our Geographic Information Science research and teaching to better represent and describe the complexity of social and environmental concerns.
Joining forces with our students and community partners, we tackle the interrelated environmental and social challenges of the 21st century that involve the quality, quantity and sustainable use of our natural resources.
Geosciences, M.S., Water Sciences Concentration
Employers in the public sector and private industry are hungry for people who understand aquatic systems. The M.S. degree program with a Water Sciences concentration provides students with a knowledge of the quality and quantity of water in the environment and modern techniques to assess, model and remediate aquatic environmental problems. Students can choose a thesis or capstone option.
The Department of Geosciences is distinctive because it spans the social and physical dimensions of environmental and resource issues, with a special focus on urban communities.
Our faculty have expertise in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry and global climate change. We are also expanding our Geographic Information Science research and teaching to better represent and describe the complexity of social and environmental concerns.
Joining forces with our students and community partners, we tackle the interrelated environmental and social challenges of the 21st century that involve the quality, quantity and sustainable use of our natural resources.
Gerontology, Graduate Certificate
College of Arts & Sciences
The Gerontology Graduate Certificate is designed for people who are preparing for careers in the aging field and for professionals already working in areas such as health care, social services, recreation and leisure, government and business.
Applicants to this program include people changing careers, re-entering the workforce or seeking additional expertise. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides in-depth exposure to issues, knowledge and research about aging processes, older people and the needs of an aging population. The program integrates knowledge of gerontology into students’ own disciplinary fields.
The Graduate Certificate may be earned concurrently with an M.A., M.S., or Ph.D. degree, or independently by those who hold a bachelor’s or advanced degree.
Gerontology, M.A.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Gerontology program is designed for students preparing for leadership positions in the field of aging and those interested in becoming gerontological researchers.
The M.A. program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides in-depth exposure to issues, knowledge and research about aging processes, older people and the needs of an aging population. Our program offers an intimate, nurturing and stimulating environment in which to learn.
Students choose one of two concentrations:
- Program Administration, which includes an internship in the field and a capstone project or
- Research, which culminates in a thesis.
About one-fifth of our graduates go on to earn a Ph.D. in gerontology, sociology or other related fields.