Academic Programs
Choose from a wide range of both undergraduate degrees, undergraduate certificates, graduate degrees, graduate certificates, and graduate endorsement programs in education and within human service fields.
- For a comprehensive list of our college’s undergraduate programs with instructions on applying to the major, click here.
- For a comprehensive list of graduate programs with application deadlines and admission requirements, click here.
Still Not Sure?
The information shared here is intended to provide an overview of Georgia State’s Education & Human Development offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more please refer to the university catalogs.
School Psychology, Ph.D.
Georgia State University’s (GSU) Pd.D. in School Psychology 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: [email protected].
The GGSU School Psychology, Ph.D. program is designed for students pursuing careers as university professors, researchers, clinicians, school-based practitioners, or educational leaders. As one of the nation’s first APA-accredited school psychology programs, our program has an established record of educating highly skilled school psychologists. Our program is focused on preparing future psychologists to deliver mental health and educational services to children and adolescents, families and educators in diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographic settings. Completion of the doctoral program contributes to students’ eligibility to become licensed and practice as a psychologist.
- APA accredited and National Association of School Psychologists approved
- Nationally known faculty
- Recognized among the top APA-accredited programs in research productivity
- Consistent record of external funding from state and federal research grants and contracts which provide ample opportunities for student funding
- Our program is committed to providing students with opportunities to publish articles and book chapters, present research at national and regional conferences and serve on state and national task forces/committees
- Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data
Science Education, M.A.T.
Science educators are responsible for teaching learners intellectual skills and knowledge and scientific literacy across the fields of science, biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space science. Our urban communities need highly skilled, compassionate and advocacy-oriented science teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. Science teachers create learning environments that enable students to learn science by thinking critically, engaging them in scientific practices and using core science ideas to make sense of phenomena from the natural world. Such learning environments, grounded in ambitious science teaching, align with the visions of three-dimensional teaching embodied by the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science.
The Georgia State University Science Education degree program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek an initial teaching certification in Secondary Science, 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.
The secondary science degree program encompasses educational theory, research and best practice, integrating social justice and equity principles. 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: Broad Field Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth/Space Science.
Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education, M.Ed. Online
The M.Ed. program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education will help teachers develop science, mathematical and digital literacies and equip them with the tools to teach their students. This transdisciplinary program integrates knowledge and skills from various STEM disciplines so that teachers and their students can benefit from a well-rounded and holistic approach to STEM education. This online program provides teachers with an opportunity to expand their STEM content knowledge and implement standards-based curricula at the middle and secondary school levels. In addition to obtaining the degree, certification and embedded STEM endorsement, teachers will be exposed to content that embraces justice, equity and identity in STEM education.
Social Foundations of Education, M.S.
Georgia State University’s (GSU) Master of Science in Social Foundations of Education is an interdisciplinary master’s program that examines the historical and contemporary factors that shape educational inequity and injustice in our society. Course topics engage students in discourse about the influence race, class, disability and gender have on education and school systems.
Students are prepared to:
- Develop critical perspectives on education, inside and outside school.
- Evaluate the complex interrelationships among school, society, education and culture.
- Incorporate a number of disciplines, including history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, political science and cultural studies.
- M.S. students in Social Foundations work closely with their advisors to craft a program of study that is individualized according to student interests. Customizing student coursework allows students to take courses in the university’s other colleges and schools (for example, Arts and Sciences, Public Policy, Public Health and so on).
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.
Special Education, M.A.T.
Excel in special education through Georgia State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. Gain expertise from experienced faculty to educate children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in schools.
A combination of practical courses and hands-on classroom experiences gives the student an opportunity to excel to their fullest potential to become a leader in the field. Classes cater to working professionals, offering flexibility in scheduling. As a teacher candidate, you will work in a cohort model enabling all to have the opportunity to become highly qualified teachers.
Upon completion and a passing score on the appropriate GACE test(s) you will receive a master’s degree and certification in one of five special education areas:
Adapted Curriculum
Those in schools on an adapted curriculum often have a diagnosed intellectual disability. They learn academic skills and functional life skills tailored to their individual needs. In Georgia schools they receive most of their academic instruction in small-group settings. With this concentration, you’ll focus on effective instruction for students on an adapted curriculum from preschool to 12th grade.
Behavior Learning Disabilities (General Curriculum)
Those with disabilities in the general curriculum follow the same curriculum as their peers without disabilities, but with specialized support and accommodations to meet their needs. In Georgia schools, students on a general curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in general education classroom settings. With this concentration, you will focus on effective instruction for students served in the general curriculum from preschool to 12th grade.
Early Childhood Special Education Adapted
More information coming soon.
Early Childhood Special Education General
More information coming soon.
Deaf Education
You will learn to educate students who are deaf or hard of hearing. You’ll learn to work in schools that use a visual language, including residential schools, day schools and public school programs. You’ll learn about services across a wide variety of placement options and get in-depth coursework and experiences that will develop your skills for teaching in multilingual settings. Upon successful completion, you will be certified to teach deaf children up through 12th grade.
Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Special Education, M.Ed.
The Master of Education in Special Education program provides students with a depth of knowledge and breadth of skill in educating students with disabilities required of a “master teacher” or an advanced service provider. Typically, individuals who enroll in this program are classroom teachers, behavior support specialists, instructional coaches or related service providers who have experience working with students with disabilities. These experiences may be in public schools, private schools or other alternative learning environments.
The M.Ed. in special education does not lead to teacher certification. Applicants to the MED should carry a teacher certification. Students seeking initial teacher certification should consider our M.A.T. in Special Education.
New for 2020 – We have a new initiative that hopes to recruit, train and support graduate students interested in graduating with an M.Ed. in Special Education. Project BEES scholars will learn to address the academic, behavioral and communication needs of children with high-intensity needs, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using evidence-based practices grounded in ABA, and will receive mentoring and professional development opportunities. The program is called Project Behavioral Early Education Scholars (BEES) and it can help provide financial support as you study for this degree. Learn more about this funding opportunity.
CAREERS IN THIS FIELD:
- Special education teachers
- School and district-level leaders
- School-based consultants
- Continue to Ph.D. in Special Education
Sport Administration, M.S.
Georgia State University’s Master of Science in Sport Administration degree program prepares students with professional skills and knowledge to thrive in careers in the $300 billion sports business industry.
Graduates who successfully complete this program work in a variety of sport industry segments, including professional sport, collegiate sport, event management, public relations, marketing agencies, non-profits, as well as international sport organizations.
In 2023, the Sport Administration M.S. program was ranked as the #12 graduate program globally and #8 Graduates’ Choice by SportBusiness International.
Teaching and Learning, Ph.D.
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
- 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.
Tier I Educational Leadership, M.Ed.
The Tier I Educational Leadership M.Ed. program is designed around a set of academic and site-based experiences that provide knowledge and skills for candidates seeking a stronger understanding of the dynamics of educational leadership.
This self-select program leads to Tier I leadership certification in Georgia. This allows an individual to serve as an assistant principal or/in district-level leadership positions that do not supervise principals.
The program design gives students a comprehensive understanding of beginning leadership concepts and activities. Students develop the dispositions required to lead school and district improvement efforts by focusing on linking theory, research and practice to positively affect student outcomes.
If a student has a masters already and they wish to receive Tier I certification they can visit our Educational Leadership, Tier I Certificate page.
Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
UACM Elementary Education Certification, ESOL Endorsement and Master’s Program, M.A.T.
Georgia State University’s UACM Elementary Education Certification, ESOL Endorsement and Master’s Program, M.A.T. is an exciting alternative teaching certification and master’s degree program that celebrates urban education of elementary school students (pre-kindergarten through 5th grades). Each year, up to 25 master’s degree students are accepted into a new cohort.
This program promotes the success of elementary students taught in urban schools through the development of competent, equity-oriented, caring, empowered teachers who are change agents inside and outside the classroom. We believe teaching is a profession and our team of experienced and dedicated faculty guide our candidates to become experts in the field of teaching and learning.
For more information about this program and the Urban Accelerated Certification and Master’s Program (UACM), visit our website.
Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
World Languages Education, Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
Georgia State University’s online Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) in World Languages Education is for multilingual students who are seeking a master’s degree with an initial teaching certification in a world/foreign language such as Chinese, French, German, Korean or Spanish (grades kindergarten through 12th grade). The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in World Languages Education leads to a teaching degree with a clear and renewable (T5) induction certificate in Georgia with a step advance on the pay scale above the (T4) certification only. The interdisciplinary nature of this program affords the opportunity to explore multidisciplinary teaching with the possibility to pursue an endorsement (ESOL, DLI, Urban Education) or to deepen your mastery of the target language and cultures.
This program integrates principles of social justice and equity and is grounded in educational theory, research and best teaching practices. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical experience in kindergarten through 12th grade teaching. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.
The program offers an advanced professional studies track in French or Spanish. This track is designed for T4-certified educators in French or Spanish seeking a Master’s degree and T5 certification in French or Spanish. The track will parallel the existing MIS World Languages Education program, but instead of the nine credits of fieldwork, you’ll take six credits in professional studies coursework and one language/culture course. This program leads to a step advance on the pay scale (T5) above the initial (T4) certification only.
This program integrates principles of social justice and equity and is grounded in educational theory, research and best teaching practices. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical experience in kindergarten through 12th grade teaching. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.