Degrees & Majors

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.

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 (only admits for summer & fall with an application deadline of March 1) 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.

The online 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 online 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 online courses to earn the certificate.

The Textiles graduate program fosters textile art as an academic, artistic and professional endeavor. It is multifaceted, combining traditional handwork with digital and industrial technology output to develop a professional artist’s portfolio for exhibitions as well as professional practices in textile design. The program’s mission is the professional education of the artist and designer in the field of contemporary textiles interfacing work with industrial textile design. The Textiles graduate curriculum encompasses the broad possibilities of textile-making with a fine art focus. The individualized, research-based, graduate textile courses emphasize an experiential, technological, intellectual, conceptual, aesthetic and qualitative investigation. Areas of study include textile design, mix-media three-dimensional fiber, textile history, textile conservation, industrial and digital technology- interfaced output. Students are encouraged to develop multi-media and inter-disciplinary approaches and take electives in other disciplines. A major emphasis in the program is the development of each student’s individual potential. The program fosters a work ethic of integrity, commitment and innovation. Students are encouraged and supported as they pursue creative approaches to broaden their experience as a professional textile specialist and fine artist. The Textiles graduate program provides a full tuition waiver and research stipend to accepted students. The first-year graduate student is assigned duties as a graduate lab assistant to oversee studio maintenance and takes on teaching duties as a graduate teaching assistant during the last year of study.

What Is Theatre? Study in theatre offers exposure to creative dramatic expression, primarily in front of live audiences. It involves study of all types of artistic performance–in theaters, educational institutions, on TV, in movies and outdoors. Areas of specialization include acting, directing, theatre history and criticism, playwriting, design, theatre technology, theatre studies (education) and creative drama. Why Study Theatre? Perimeter College’s guided pathway in Theatre offers small class size, professional theatre faculty and “on the job” training as well as work on high-quality theatrical productions. Students are well-prepared for further college study or entry into the job market. Studying theatre allows students to develop the artistic depth and professional knowledge needed for pursuing careers in theatrical professions, non-profits, higher education and commercial enterprises. Employers find theatre-trained applicants are valuable employees because they’re often energetic, enthusiastic and able to work under pressure. They generally have polished communications and human relations skills, and they’re experienced at working as members of a team toward a common goal. Most important, theatre graduates have developed self-confidence based on their experience of meeting difficult challenges. 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.

Qualification for entrance to the program is based on achievements on an appropriate proficiency examination. Candidates for the program must pass a written examination in English and in the language of specialization. Students interested in the Spanish program can begin fall and spring semesters. Those interested in German and French need to call 404-413-5988 to see when these classes will be starting or write to acash@gsu.edu. One class is offered each semester for 5 semesters in the French and German program so it will take 5 semesters to complete the program in these languages. For the latest information about requirements, view the Program website.

Georgia State’s Urban Education Endorsement provides specialized preparation for teaching in urban settings. Teachers pursuing it may be enrolled as non-degree students or may be enrolled in specific programs. This endorsement is offered through the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education and the Department of Middle and Secondary Education. The undergraduate-level endorsement can be added by undergraduates who have been admitted to a teacher education program, have a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and hold a pre-service teacher certificate. View the Admissions Requirements tab below and listing in the undergraduate catalog for the requirements. The graduate-level endorsement is offered to certified teachers or those admitted to a Georgia State initial teacher preparation program and hold a pre-service certificate. For more information, view the Admissions Requirements tab below and the listing in the graduate catalog for the requirements.

Join Georgia State's urban studies master’s program for a deep dive into these urban phenomena: inclusive development, transit, economic resilience or environmental sustainability. Offering an interdisciplinary perspective on urban studies, students follow a core trajectory of shared courses and have the freedom to specialize by individually selecting from a large offer of elective courses. Students work with a faculty advisor throughout their studies and have the opportunity to join the Urban Studies student association with like minded peers. Our flexible degree structure enables students to explore the issues and concerns shaping their interest in urban studies – from gentrification, community development, and transport equity to climate change, global pandemics, and the future of the suburbs – through a variety of perspectives. MIS graduates have the ability to conduct rigorous urban research with strong policy relevance, informed by a strong commitment to realizing more equitable and inclusive forms of urban development. Join our mailing list to learn more about upcoming events, including online webinars and our annual Open House.

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.