What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

  • A minimum of 36 semester hours is required to receive your degree
  • 4 semesters or 1.5 years

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: June 15
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: April 15

Social Studies Education, M.A.T.

The Georgia State University Social Studies Education M.A.T. program is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree and seek an initial teaching certification in Secondary Social Studies, grades 6-12.  This program leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and a clear and renewable (T5) Induction Certificate in Georgia.

Social studies educators teach learners intellectual skills and knowledge across the history, geography, political science and economic content areas. Our urban communities need highly skilled, compassionate and advocacy-oriented social studies teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. Social studies teachers create learning environments that develop young citizens who can productively participate in our democracy and the global community.

The secondary Social Studies degree program is grounded in educational theory, research and best practice, integrating principles of social justice and equity. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical teaching experience in grades 6-12. Our dynamic program features technology integration and offers study-abroad opportunities. Faculty support planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.

Concentrations include: History, Political Science and Economics content areas.

Program Highlights
  • “Instructors gradually introduced us to lesson planning. Everything was done at an amazing pace. I’d recommend this program to anyone aspiring to become an educator.” – Seth, program graduate
  • “As a middle and high school student, I loved history class. After graduating with a degree in history from Howard University, the social studies teaching program was an inevitable path for me.” – Courtney, program graduate
  • “During my first year of teaching 100% of my scholars passed the CRCT – the highest scores in the region. I attribute this to my teacher preparation at Georgia State.” – Miraca, program graduate
  • The College of Education & Human Development is ranked No. 47 in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of graduate education programs.
  • Georgia State initial preparation teacher candidates performed successfully on the edTPA certification exam with a pass rate of 99% in 2015 and 2016 and 98% in 2017.

Meet three of our graduates teaching social studies in the Atlanta area.

Program Details

Admissions Requirements

Select concentration in:

  • Economics
  • History
  • Political Science

When applying to the Social Studies Education, M.A.T. program, you will need to submit several documents for review.

  • Online Application
  • Application Fee of $50
  • Goals Statement (upload with the application)
  • Resume (upload with the application)
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (identify your recommenders on the application)
  • Official Transcript: minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA required for admission
    • submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302
  • To meet certification requirements in Georgia, you will also need to complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment prior to program admission. Visit the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment or information and how to register for the assessment.

 

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Social Studies Education provides initial teacher preparation for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees in history or one or more of the social sciences. This degree can be completed in 36 hours or four to five semesters.

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships.

Awards and Assistantships

Various awards, assistantships and fellowships are available to new and current graduate students. We encourage you to contact your department, college, school or institute of interest to get more information about the assistantships and fellowships that they offer their students.

The Scholarship Resource Center offers guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, including this scholarship library.

Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Programs’ Fellowship Advisor works with students interested in applying for nationally prestigious and competitive fellowships. The Office of Graduate Programs also coordinates the application process for students applying to the Second Century Initiative, the Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship and the Dissertation Library Travel Awards.

Cost Calculator

Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.

Goals and Outcomes

Our program graduates are informed by research, knowledge and reflective practice, empowered to serve as change agents, committed to and respectful of all learners and engaged with learners, their families, schools, and local and global communities.

Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements

All students must meet Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements to be eligible for certification:

Field Placement Experience

In the final semesters of the program, students conduct field experiences in the metro Atlanta area where students will apply educational theory and research, test ideas and practice strategies that they have learned throughout the program of study. Each student works closely with a mentor teacher at the practicum school and is supervised by faculty from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.

Program of Study

Description

Careers

Successful program graduates will be well prepared to work in the most prominent public, charter and private schools and school systems in the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Our graduates teach in middle and high schools in Georgia, including in city school systems of Atlanta and Decatur, as well as county schools in Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton and local charter schools and private schools. Our graduates teach in schools in California, New York, Arizona and Ohio, as well as international schools. Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, graduates are also well prepared to pursue advanced degrees in education.

Contacts

Program Coordinator
Dr. Chantee Earl
[email protected]
404-413-8399

Middle and Secondary Education
[email protected]
404-413-8060

Mailing Address & Office Location
Middle and Secondary Education
College of Education & Human Development, 6th Floor
30 Pryor St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of Education Logo30 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.