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.
A minor in a language is an excellent complement to a number of majors. Students pursuing careers in law, business administration, criminal justice and health sciences, among others fields, should consider a minor in language as a way to increase their marketable skills. Students who wish to minor in French, German, Japanese, or Spanish must take 15-18 hours in courses in the language, including at least 9 semester hours at the 3000 level or above.
For information on required courses, visit the World Languages & Cultures website.
Speech Communication Pathway, A.A.
Perimeter College
What Is Speech Communication?
Speech communication explores the construction, diffusion, analysis and impact of messages as they occur among individuals, groups, organizations and cultures in the media age. Communication focuses on how people develop communication skills and examines communication phenomena and events. It studies how various persuasive tactics may influence members of diverse and globalized societies.
Why Study Speech Communication?
Speech communication offers a balanced educational curriculum of liberal arts and science courses focused on improving speaking and interpersonal skills and providing an introduction to business, intercultural and mass communication. The concepts and skills provided by speech communication are useful in a wide variety of occupations and in the world of communications.
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.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Undergraduate Certificate
The certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) equips students with skills that will enable them to teach English as a Foreign Language abroad. The TEFL certificate is designed as a credential for those who plan short-term stays overseas and is open to Georgia State University students in any undergraduate major.
The program requires students to complete a series of five undergraduate courses offered by the Department of Applied Linguistics & English as a Second Language.
Students who are likely to be interested in the certificate program include:
- Those in disciplines where an extended stay abroad would enhance their skills, employment or graduate school admission possibilities upon their return.
- People who are simply interested in the adventure of living in another culture and of gaining knowledge of the world.
- Individuals with a bachelor's degree who are interested in working abroad but do not want to make the long term professional commitment involved in earning a graduate degree.
- Majors in Language Studies interested in further graduate study in applied linguistics. For these students, earning the certificate as part of their undergraduate degree requirements can enhance their graduate school potential.
Find out more about applying for a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Certificate.
Georgia State also offers a graduate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This certificate is likely a better choice for students interested in continuing on to earn an MA. For more information about the graduate certificate, go to the TESOL program page.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Graduate Certificate
The TESOL graduate certificate prepares students to teach English as a second or foreign language. Teaching English as a second language has been an expanding field for decades and continues to show persistent growth in job and educational opportunities. Because people globally continue to be interested in learning English and because local and national governments, non-governmental organizations and corporations continue to support English language education, potential career growth remains strong.
The TESOL certificate prepares you to:
- Learn language teaching methodology and principles of second language acquisition.
- Study the nature of language and the structure of English.
- Gain insights into classroom teaching.
The TESOL Certificate is an entry-level credential for those who plan short-term stays overseas or who are interested in employment in schools for adults, private language institutes or nonprofit organizations that offer adult English language courses.
You will take five courses to earn the certificate. The certificate is available both in-person and online.
Technical and Professional Communication Undergraduate Certificate
The Technical and Professional Communication Certificate equips students with vital writing and communication skills that are highly valued by both corporate and public-sector employers. By focusing on crafting effective, audience-targeted messages, students gain a competitive edge in professional environments where clear, concise communication is essential.
This certificate opens doors to careers such as technical writer, communication specialist, content strategist and public relations specialist. Graduates are well-prepared to thrive in roles that require strong writing and messaging skills, from corporate settings to digital marketing, user experience and social media.
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, B.A.
College of Arts & Sciences
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) is an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on gender, sex, sexuality, feminism and womanism. WGSS offers a cutting-edge academic program focusing on three areas:
• Globalization
• Sexuality Studies
• Social Change
The Institute is a collective of core and affiliate faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, staff, alumni and community partners that collaborate to create meaningful research and practice. Through our multifaceted work, we examine social constructions and intersections of race, class and gender. We evaluate political and social equality, posit the creative power of art and artists, and reinforce commitment to advance human rights.
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Graduate Certificate
College of Arts & Sciences
The study of women, gender and sexualities in their multiple racial and class dimensions and cultural contexts is a growing field of inquiry in many disciplines. More and more jobs are framed with an expectation of some background in feminist analysis. As an endeavor that is interdisciplinary and transnational, the Institute for Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies contributes to the education of its own graduate students and students in other departments, colleges and schools of Georgia State.
This certificate program allows students to receive explicit acknowledgment of their work in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Some may simply want recognition of a strength reflected in their course of study. Others may wish to pursue employment for which a certificate is deemed an advantage.
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, M.A.
College of Arts & Sciences
The Georgia State University M.A. program in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies has four interrelated areas of concentration:
- Black Feminist Thought
- Sexualities, Queer, and Trans Studies
- Transnational WGSS
- Social Change and Applied WGSS
Our curriculum stands out for its emphasis on the intersections of gender and sexuality with race, nationalisms, ethnicity and transnationalism. We have a strong emphasis on queer theory and LGBTQ studies and the theory and practice of activism.
One distinction of our program is that we offer non-thesis options in addition to the traditional academic thesis path. Students complete one of the following paths toward degree:
- Research Thesis: an originally researched topic that contributes to a new area of gender and sexuality studies scholarship
- Capstone Practicum: choices include creative project in the arts, such as a play, an art exhibit or mixed-media work; an internship with a local social justice-oriented organization or other form of community and/or activist engagement; a cumulative academic position paper
Workplace Intercultural Competence, Undergraduate Certificate
The Georgia State University Workplace Intercultural Competence certificate prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage diverse workplaces in various settings including business, construction, agriculture, education and healthcare.
Students will acquire and hone the skills required to work in a diversity-rich setting and engage in intercultural communication, including working with second-language learners.
World Languages and Applied Intercultural Studies, M.A.
The M.A. in World Languages and Applied Intercultural Studies is designed to develop students’ career-readiness through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes world language skills, intercultural competency, and global awareness.
The program leverages the unique international resources at Georgia State University as well as the cultural and historical ties of the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia.
Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in industry or as entrepreneurs, work for government agencies and non-governmental agencies (NGOs), work as activists, curators or community leaders, become interpreters or language instructors, or go on to doctoral-level education.
Students in the M.A. program can concentrate in:
- World Languages and Applied Cultural Studies
- French and Francophone Studies
- Spanish
The B.A. in World Languages and Cultures offers students a program of study that focuses on career readiness through an innovative curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. Our curriculum emphasizes intercultural competency that is required across all professions in the 21st century.
With courses for developing world language proficiency, multicultural literacies, and college to career connection, the goal of the program is to cultivate the next generation of a workforce that can compete globally. Graduates will be able to pursue varied career pathways in business, government, non-profit organizations, and other enterprises with an international scope.
The program offers concentrations in:
- Chinese Language & Society
- French and Francophone Studies
- Japanese Language & Society
- Korean Language & Society
- Spanish Language and Cultures
- Two Languages (includes German and Arabic)
World Languages Pathway, A.A.
Perimeter College
What Is World Languages?
World Languages is the study of communication and culture.
Why Study World Languages?
Knowledge of World Languages connects you to the people, ideas, emotions, history and the arts of other countries. Studying World Languages is an asset in whatever career path you choose: business, government, medicine, journalism, service industries, technology, tourism and more. The process of learning languages increases analytical and critical thinking skills that enhance your value as an employee and citizen.
Perimeter College offers the widest range of world language courses of any associate degree-granting college in the Southeast.
Offerings include:
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For contact information for specific languages we offer see below:
- For French contact the French program at [email protected].
- For German contact Rick Robinson at [email protected] or call 770-274-5193.
- For information about Italian, please contact Lisa Davie at [email protected] or call 770-274-5188.
- For Japanese contact Harumi Kimura at [email protected] or call 770-274-5151.
- For Spanish contact Lisa Davieat [email protected] or call 770-274-5188.
- For information about our Critical Language offerings, which include Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Swahili click here. Scroll to the bottom of the page for contact information.
For information about American Sign Language, contact [email protected] or call 678-735-7578.
See the world: There’s a world of opportunities available through Perimeter College and the University System of Georgia Study Abroad programs. Japan, Morocco, Russia, France, Costa Rica, Ecuador, China, England, Germany, Chile – you decide.”.
* A concentration in Spanish and French may be completed fully online.
The following courses are offered online:
- FREN 1001, 1002, 2001, and 2002
- GRMN 1001,1002, and 2002
- ITAL 1001 and 1002
- SPAN 1001, 1002, 2001 and 2002
Students should consult with their advisors to confirm the availability of online courses and find out about any requirements or additional costs that may be associated with those courses.
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.
World Languages with Business and Economics Pathway, A.A.
Perimeter College
What Is World Languages?
The study of World Languages enables you to communicate in languages other than English to gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures and to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world. Foreign language skills enable students to communicate in a global and culturally diverse society.
Why Study World Languages?
Studying world languages enhances your contribution as a member of the global marketplace. Whatever career you choose, your success will depend on your ability to communicate in culturally diverse environments. The ability to speak another language is an asset in business, medical fields and service occupations. Combining a world language degree with a degree in another field expands a student’s potential for success.
Perimeter College offers the widest range of world language courses of any associate degree-granting college in the Southeast.
Offerings include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish *
- Swahili
Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Chinese are offered in the traditional classroom format. Arabic, Hebrew, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Swahili are offered using the Critical Languages/Self-Instructional Format. For more information on our Critical Languages Program, contact Andrea DiBenardo, Dunwoody Campus critical language coordinator, [email protected], 770-274-5184, or Dr. Victor McGlone, Clarkston Campus critical language coordinator, [email protected], 678-891-3533.
See the world: There’s a world of opportunities available through Perimeter College and the University System of Georgia Study Abroad programs. Japan, Morocco, Russia, France, Costa Rica, Ecuador, China, England, Germany, Chile – you decide.
* World Languages with Business and Economics with a concentration in Spanish can be completed fully online.
The following courses are offered fully online:
- FREN 1001, 1002 and 2001
- GRMN 1001 and 1002
- ITAL 1001 and 1002
- SPAN 1001, 1002, 2001 and 2002
Students should consult with their advisors to confirm the availability of online courses and find out about any requirements or additional costs that may be associated with those courses.
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.