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.
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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.
Communication Studies - Moving Image Studies, Ph.D.
The Ph.D. in Communication Studies with a concentration in Moving Image Studies is specifically designed to provide students with the conceptual and methodological tools to study the complex and vastly expanded moving image environment of the 21st century, where the boundaries separating cinema, television and new media are breaking down. Moving Image Studies is an outgrowth of cinema studies, television studies, new media studies, cultural studies and critical theory. Many of our core seminars are designed to cut across media boundaries (by examining how models, paradigms and methods are problematized and enriched, as we move across specific media); while other seminars are devoted to intensive examination of problems within a specific media formation. The doctorate in Moving Image Studies is designed to give students a solid foundation in a specific moving image medium (whether cinema, television, or new media), while at the same time give them the preparation and the confidence to research and write about moving images wherever they circulate. The program encourages innovative new work that challenges existing paradigms of media study, that is theoretically rigorous, and that is aware of historical and cultural specificity.
Communication Studies, Ph.D.
The doctoral program in communication encourages students to engage in theoretically rigorous, methodologically sophisticated and ethically informed research. Our students are encouraged to undertake research that makes a difference and contributes substantively to the human understanding of how communication and media fundamentally shape and are shaped by an increasingly complex social world. The curriculum draws upon social scientific and humanities-based theories and methods to prepare a diverse group of students for a job market that expects them to be literate across multiple sub-disciplinary domains of communication, in particular, media studies, rhetoric and speech communication. Doctoral students work with graduate faculty who have gained national and international prominence across a diverse range of research areas, including: International media and politics Health communication Strategic communication Media effects and psychology Media representation and stereotypes Rhetorical studies Legal communication Journalism studies Media ethics Visual communication Environmental and critical animal studies Terrorism studies Public argument and deliberation Persuasion, public relations Interpersonal and intergroup communication Networks Ideological formations of power and resistance The intellectual and creative energies activated by this rich and interdisciplinary activity within Atlanta’s dynamic urban location make the department an ideal place for students from around the world to prepare for a career in communication.
Communication, Human Communication and Social Influence, M.A.
The M.A. with a concentration in Human Communication and Social Influence fosters the advanced study of rhetoric and interpersonal communication. Our faculty in interpersonal communication are interested in media portrayals of interpersonal relationships, particularly those involving older Americans. Our faculty in rhetoric are interested in the intersection of public persuasion and issues of national identity. The Department of Communication offers a multidisciplinary program to prepare communication professionals and academicians for the demands of the 21st century. Based on theoretical perspectives from rhetoric, public argument, audience research, media studies, global communication, international communication, health communication, strategic communication and new media, the Communication Studies program explores public discourse and mass-mediated environments, and prepares students to investigate how persuasive practices are transforming culture at home and abroad.
Communication, Digital Media Strategies, M.A.
The M.A. in Communication with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies is a non-thesis-track program for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and become advanced practitioners in communications. This program is for people already working in fields such as public relations, television, cross-platform journalism and other digital media-focused fields who are looking to build their skills, develop a grounding in theory and advance their careers. It is also intended to jumpstart the career of junior and early-career media professionals by teaching practical skills, including optimal use of cross-platform production technology and creating, and evaluating persuasive messaging. Students will also build the capacity to link theory with practice. Signature capstone experiences, media studies and applied media courses shape this cutting-edge program serving those who work in or aspire to work in Atlanta’s growing media market, which ranks 10th in the U.S.
Communication, Journalism, B.A.
The B.A. in Journalism program offers three concentrations: Multimedia Reporting: Journalists are now sought for their multimedia skills as well as traditional writing and research skills. This program is designed to prepare journalism students to go into modern media workplaces, with a variety of experiential learning options as well as specialized reporting options. Public Relations: This program focuses on preparing students to work in public relations. Public relations professionals are advocates who critically analyze information to create content and campaigns for employers, employees, and clients. Students will learn about techniques and campaigns. Experiential learning is the foundation of the coursework. Media & Society: This program is designed with an academic focus on communication, to prepare students for graduate study. Students can choose from communication courses focusing on a variety of types and areas of communication. Our programs are designed to meet the media industries' demand for graduates who are critical thinkers who can produce news and publicity materials efficiently across a variety of platforms. Students can get extra support at Georgia State's Journalism Lab which provides undergraduate journalism students with rough draft reviews, grammar assistance, help with AP style writing and video production assistance. Students can also get practical experience through Georgia State University TV (GSUTV), the university’s partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting. As Georgia State’s media station, GSUTV provides students with training for creating broadcast content and airs special programs throughout Georgia and to a national network of PBS stations via cable, satellite, and digital platforms. GSUTV has won several Emmy and Telly Awards in recent years.
Communication, Mass Communication, M.A.
The Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication fosters the advanced research study of media culture and public communication, including international media, journalism, strategic communication and public relations, social media, media effects and audience studies. Our faculty examine elements of the mass media from qualitative and social scientific vantage points, and study media in a variety of contexts across a number of nations. The Department of Communication offers a multidisciplinary program to prepare communication professionals and academicians for the demands of the 21st century. Based on perspectives from rhetoric, public argument, audience research, media studies, global communication, international communication, health communication, strategic communication and new media, Communication Studies explores public discourse and mass-mediated environments to prepare students to investigate how persuasive practices are transforming culture at home and abroad.
Communication, Speech, B.A.
The speech major focuses on how people develop communication skills, how we study communication phenomena, how we critically examine communication events and how various persuasive tactics may influence members of diverse and globalized societies. Elective courses examine such areas as nonverbal communication, media and politics, visual communication, communication disorders, health communication, mediation and conflict resolution, and communication and aging. The concepts and skills provided by the major in speech are useful in a wide variety of occupations and will prove useful in the world of communications. In the heart of Atlanta, one of the world’s most vibrant media centers, the Department of Communication offers educational programs with the goal of producing productive and socially responsible citizens who understand communication theory and deploy communication skills to improve the human condition.
Community Psychology, M.P.H./Ph.D.
College of Arts & Sciences, School of Public Health
The dual MPH-Ph.D. program in Public Health and Community Psychology provides professional and graduate students with a solid and well-rounded background across both disciplines. Successful candidates will earn a master of public health degree (MPH) upon completion of the graduate health behavior & 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. The program enables students to complete both degrees in less time than pursuing them separately. Because health is determined by a complex interplay of biology, genetics, lifestyle, environmental factors, social and political conditions, multi-disciplinary professional expertise is needed to address the growing challenges to the public’s health and welfare. Community psychology and public health professionals attempt to address these conditions but take different yet complementary approaches. Many community psychology professionals work within public health with a focus on fostering social change and activism, reducing oppression and promoting empowerment while public health professionals focus on assessing prevalence and incidence, identifying risk and protective factors, and changing individual health behavior. Welcome from the Directors of Graduate Studies FAQs for Graduate Program Applicants Faculty Accepting Students for Fall 2023
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 Information Systems, B.B.A.
In today’s highly competitive global environment, the effective deployment of information technology has become the key to organizational success.
There is a continuing shortage of individuals with the combination of business and technology skills needed to develop and manage information systems that provide competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The mission of the B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems program is to produce graduates who are able to fill this need.
Tuition
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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 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. The other two courses can be completed during the fall and spring semesters in traditional courses or they can be completed by earning badges through self-paced courses hosted by Georgia Virtual School. The self-paced courses do not include instructor or peer support, but they require only a nominal fee to evaluate assessments and can be traded for course credit for free. We recommend these self-paced courses to teachers who 1) need to complete the program quicker, 2) need a lower-cost alternative to the traditional program, or 3) have prior knowledge of computing. Applicants’ certificate level must be level 4 or higher and at any grade level pre-kindergarten through 12th grade or another eligible field. Review the Pathways to Computer Science Endorsement at Georgia State document for more information.
Computer Science Pathway, A.S.
Perimeter College
What Is Computer Science? Computer Science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their application and implementation in computer systems. Why Study Computer Science? Computers are a mainstay in today’s society. Whether at home, school, or in the workplace, people use technology. Understanding how computer systems work and learning how to make everyday tasks more efficient are valuable skills. Studying computer science introduces students to the exciting and ever-changing technological world. Perimeter College’s guided pathway in Computer Science teaches students the fundamentals of the science while also helping them to learn how to conceptualize, design and implement technology solutions. The pathway prepares students for careers in technology and for transfer to a four-year institution. Perimeter College computer science students can benefit from scholarships, stipends, undergraduate research and STEM initiatives, such as ENLISTEM, MESA, PSLSAMP and STEP. Routinely, Perimeter’s students win national conference awards for research projects, and the robotics team consistently places in the top three in the Association for Computing Machinery Southeast Regional Robotics Competition. 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.
Computer Science, B.S.
Computer science is the systematic exploration of all aspects of computation including computer design, computer programming and software, information processing, algorithmic solutions to problems and the algorithmic process itself. Computer science provides underpinnings for today’s applications in industry, science, government, and business and prepares the foundation for tomorrow’s applications in ubiquitous computing, medical cures for diseases and instant access to information by everyone. The B.S. degree program in computer science provides a good foundation for careers in industry, science, government and business as well as for advanced studies at the M.S. or Ph.D. level.
Computer Science, B.S./M.S.
The Department of Computer Science offers a combined bachelor of science and master of science degree in computer science, allowing students to save a year of time and tuition as compared to pursuing the degrees separately. Students in the 4+1 program can enjoy several advantages, in addition to earning a bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years: GRE is waived. Likely receive a tuition waiver for the year of graduate studies. Likely receive a stipend for the year of graduate studies. Use HOPE and/or Pell Grant funds for the 12 credit hours counting toward your B.S. and M.S. degrees. Increase your earning potential with the master’s level credential. Find out more details about the M.S. in Computer Science program.
Computer Science, M.S.
The Computer Science M.S. program offers students a wide variety of research and technology areas of focus including: Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Deep Learning Computer Architecture Database Data Mining Big Data Graphics and Visualization Networks Security and Privacy Parallel and Distributed Computing Cloud Computing Cyber Physical Systems Internet of Things (IoT) Programming Languages Algorithms Simulation and Software Engineering A Bioinformatics concentration and Security & Privacy concentration are available.
Computer Science, Ph.D.
The Computer Science Ph.D. program offers educational and research opportunities for students in a wide variety of research and technology areas, including: Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Deep Learning Bioinformatics Health Informatics Computer Architecture Database Data Mining Big Data Graphics and Visualization Networks Security and Privacy Parallel and Distributed Computing Cloud Computing Cyber Physical Systems Internet of Things (IoT) Programming Languages Algorithms Simulation and Software Engineering Concentrations in Bioinformatics and Security & Privacy are available. The department encourages applications from technology and teaching professionals and those with non-computer science but closely related degrees. Pursuing the Ph.D. program part-time is possible, so working professionals are encouraged to consider applying.
Corporate Learning Professional Certificate
Learn to design online training and educational programs for organizations of all sizes with Georgia State’s online graduate certificate in corporate learning. Four courses from the master of science program in instructional design and technology come together to make up this 12-hour certificate. Professionals who know how to design online training programs are in high demand. Corporations and businesses of all sizes need instructional designers and e-Learning specialists who know how to: Present content of all lengths and complexity Create engaging learning experiences Gather learning analytics for the purposes of tracking impact and outcomes Alumni are working in a variety of education and training roles in government agencies, the military, nonprofit organizations, large corporations and businesses of all sizes. Whether you want to advance in your current organization, or switch career directions in instructional design or human performance technology, the current market for graduates with these skills is good. Coursework will have you designing, managing and evaluating corporate learning solutions, which means you can put to use the competencies you develop right away in job-related situations.
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, career development and multiculturalism. 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: apaaccred@apa.org. Completion of the doctoral program contributes to students’ eligibility to become licensed and practice as a psychologist. The Ph.D. in counseling psychology is designed for students who want to pursue careers as university professors, researchers, psychotherapists 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. Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data for Georgia State Counseling Psychology Program