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.
Instructional Design and Technology, M.S.
Become an expert in designing and delivering instruction in all formats with Georgia State’s online master of science in instructional design and technology. Our 36-hour online M.S. will have you creating dynamic and effective learning experiences while you dive into instructional systems theory and various forms of media and learning environments.
Our graduates are highly regarded and are working in corporate settings of all sizes, higher education, non-profits and government organizations, as well as other educational settings. We also provide quality, network-building internships in the metro Atlanta area.
A master’s degree in the field is desirable as organizations place greater emphasis on well-trained staff. Employers want critical thinkers who can serve in leadership roles to ensure that training is provided in ways that make sense for their employees. Instructional coordinators, designers and technologists are finding success in improving training and education. If you already work in the field, you will be putting to use right away the lessons you learn in your coursework.
Note: The program does not lead to certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The Instructional Design and Technology program has attendance requirements and meets in online web conferencing sessions. You must be able to attend online class sessions that begin as early as 4:30 p.m. EST.
Instructional Technology, Ph.D.
Learning Sciences
The Instructional Technology Ph.D. program is designed for those working in the instructional technology field in a variety of educational, training and development areas, such as those found in schools, higher education, business, industry and government agencies. The Ph.D. prepares students to conduct research on technology-enhanced learning environments.
The Instructional Technology Ph.D. program provides specialization for individuals in the following areas:
- instructional design
- alternative instructional delivery systems
- research
- management and consulting
K-5 Mathematics Endorsement
The 15-hour online kindergarten through 5th-grade mathematics endorsement program prepares you to hold the Georgia Professional Standards Commission endorsement and may qualify you for salary incentives in your district when available. The courses will develop your pedagogical content knowledge, mindset and instructional capabilities as an effective and equitable elementary mathematics teacher.
You will take four courses that focus on elementary mathematics content and pedagogy and one course that serves as a field placement where you will apply in your classroom the concepts covered with supportive feedback. All required courses are completed online. The K-5 mathematics endorsement can be completed as a stand-alone program or embedded in a graduate degree such as an M.Ed., Ed.D. or Ph.D.
You must hold a clear, renewable teaching certificate, level 4 or higher in one of the following areas: early childhood education, middle grades – mathematics or special education general curriculum/early childhood education. One year of teaching experience is required.
Kinesiology, Ph.D.
The Georgia State University Ph.D. in Kinesiology prepares students for research and teaching careers at colleges and universities and health, physiological performance, rehabilitative science, sport management and related fields.
Attainment of a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree ranks among the most respected accomplishments in any field.
Choose one of the following six concentrations:
The concentration in Biomechanics and Physical Rehabilitation focuses on the scientific description of human movement using multidisciplinary approaches (e.g., biomechanics, neuroscience, engineering) and advanced measurement techniques (e.g., motion capture, force and muscle activity measurements, etc.) in order to restore the functional capacity, improve the interaction with the environment, and enhance the quality of life for healthy and pathological individuals.
The concentration in Exercise Physiology prepares students to teach and conduct research in areas related to cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular physiology with particular emphases on exercise metabolism and performance in healthy populations, and in populationswith chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuromuscular diseases).
The concentration in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) prepares students for careers in higher education as scholars, researchers, and teacher educators. Research expertise will be acquired in the areas of instruction, digital pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, teacher education, teacher development, and adapted physical education. The concentration will prepare students as members of communities of scholars in higher education.
The concentration in Psychology of Physical Activity prepares students to teach and conduct research in areas related to the correlates of physical activity, mental health benefits of physical activity, theory-based behavior change strategies, and the design, implementation, and testing of theory -based physical activity interventions. Completion of this concentration will not lead to students becoming licensed psychologists.
Students earning a concentration in Rehabilitation Science will gain an in-depth understanding of the basic and applied aspects of health science and services, the social sciences, biomechanics, physiology, neuroscience and engineering as they relate to restoring human functional capacity and improving a person’s interaction with the surrounding environment. Students will hone skills of oral and written communication of scientific information, which will help to prepare them for academic and research positions in universities, private research institutions, government agencies, private industries, and the public policy sector. The concentration in Rehabilitation Science is only open to students currently enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions.
The concentration in Sport Administration prepares students to teach and conduct research in areas related to sport administration, including management, organizational behavior, marketing, communication, sport ecology, and urban planning. The program guides students to think critically about the sport management industry, comprehend sport management theory, develop a line of research inquiry, and apply various research designs and advanced statistics to become sport management researchers and professors in higher education.
Literacy Coach, Graduate Certificate
Our literacy coach certificate addresses the growing need to support classroom teachers serving diverse populations. There is an increased demand for embedded professional development, as well as coaching and mentoring in school settings. The demand for school-based literacy coaches has increased over the past few years.
The certificate program focuses on specialized coursework to prepare teachers to serve as highly qualified teacher/coaches equipped to collaborate across classrooms, with school administrators, parents and community representatives to improve student achievement.
The Literacy Coach/Instructional Facilitator certificate program is an 18-hour program of study for students who already have a master’s degree or a minimum of nine hours of appropriate reading coursework. This training is restricted to those already employed as a literacy coach in a school setting.
Literacy Education Online, M.Ed.
The Reading, Language and Literacy Education M.Ed. online program is designed to prepare certified teachers and education professionals to serve as leaders in literacy education. Tailored for the working professional, this program is offered completely online. The goal of the program is to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to advance the literacy abilities of culturally, racially and linguistically diverse K-12 students in urban and multicultural learning environments.
This online M.Ed. program requires completing 36 semester hours of coursework, an electronic portfolio, and state certification exams. Through coursework, M.Ed. students will learn the theoretical, historical and social foundations of literacy. They will also develop and implement literacy curricula, assessments and instructional strategies through supervised, online clinical experiences.
The core literacy courses for this program meet the requirements for a reading endorsement, which prepares graduates as reading teachers, who provide engaging, culturally responsive, literacy instruction to K-12 students.
Select a concentration:
- English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Literacy Specialist
ESOL Concentration
The ESOL concentration leads to an ESOL endorsement and provides advanced teacher preparation for individuals who have an interest in teaching English to speakers of other languages in K-12 classrooms. ESOL educators from GSU use a strength-based approach to leverage the literacy abilities of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals and promote educational excellence in ESOL programs.
Literacy Specialist Concentration
The literacy specialist concentration leads to a literacy specialist certification, which prepares certified teachers for leadership roles in the field of literacy education. Literacy specialists in our program demonstrate an expertise in honoring and advancing the literacy abilities of racially, culturally and linguistically diverse students and promoting educational excellence and social justice in urban and multicultural educational settings.
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.
Literacy Education, M.Ed.
Middle and Secondary Education
The M.Ed. in Literacy Education is a flexible, hybrid program with a mix of face-to-face and online classes, designed with the working education professional in mind. The program provides advanced educator preparation for the study of literacy processes and literacy instruction for culturally diverse learners in urban areas. This program is open to certified teachers, regardless of initial preparation area, and no GRE scores are required. If you are a teacher with a T4 and certified in Early Childhood Education, English Language Arts or Reading Education at grades 4-8 or 6-12, completion of this program results in eligibility for a certification upgrade.
*The M.Ed. in Literacy Education is temporarily on hold and not accepting applications for 2024.
Select a concentration:
- Digital Literacies (for non-teachers – NOT accepting applications at this time)
- Family, Community & Culture (for non-teachers – NOT accepting applications at this time)
- Literacy Specialist (NOT accepting applications at this time)
See the catalog for courses in each concentration. You may enter the program at any time and take classes at your own pace, and the program coordinator will work with you to ensure you have a workable plan. Classes are taught by outstanding, award-winning faculty affiliated with the Language and Literacy unit in Middle and Secondary Education. Professors have conducted research in literacy education.
View M.Ed. in Literacy Education Sample Course Progressions Document »
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.
Mathematics Education, M.A.T.
Mathematics educators are responsible for teaching learners the intellectual skills and knowledge across a comprehensive and coherent set of mathematics principles and standards for grades 6-12. Our urban communities need highly skilled mathematics teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. Mathematics educators create learning environments that enable students to learn mathematics by thinking critically, engaging them in mathematical practices and using critical thinking to make sense of core mathematical ideas. Such learning environments, grounded with research-based teaching strategies, embrace Georgia Standards of Excellence in Mathematics for depth and understanding.
The Georgia State University secondary mathematics 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 teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools committed to excellence in education.
The secondary Mathematics degree program is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek an initial teaching certification in Secondary Mathematics, 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.
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.
Mathematics Education, M.Ed.
The program’s chief goal is to strengthen secondary students’ mathematical understandings. This is achieved by providing you with opportunities to deepen your knowledge of learners from diverse backgrounds and explore equity issues in mathematics classrooms within urban environments.
The program will prepare you to conduct action research in the context of your classrooms, inform instruction and share the knowledge gained in a professional community of teachers.
In general, the Program of Study is framed by the principles and standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
The M.Ed. major in Mathematics Education is offered entirely online program and designed to be completed in four semesters.
Middle Level Education, M.A.T.
Middle-level educators in grades 4-8 are responsible for teaching intellectual skills and knowledge while attending to specific adolescent developmental needs in two of the following content areas: English language arts, mathematics, science and/or social studies. Our urban communities need highly skilled, compassionate and advocacy-oriented Middle Level teachers whose content knowledge and instructional practice honor students’ diversity and promote equity. Middle Level teachers create learning environments that develop learners’ opportunities across several content areas:
- In Georgia State University English Language Arts, teachers teach reading literature, writing for multiple audiences, expressing ideas and opinions in speech and interpersonal communication and exploring the potential of the arts in language arts.
- In Mathematics, teachers enable students to learn mathematics by engaging them in mathematical practices and using critical thinking to make sense of core mathematical ideas.
- In Science, teachers 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.
- In Social Studies, teachers develop young citizens who can participate in our democracy and the global community by thinking critically in history, geography, political science and economics content areas.
This program leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Middle Level Education and a renewable (T5) Induction Certificate in Georgia.
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.
Online English Education, M.Ed.
Middle and Secondary Education
The Online Master’s in English Education Program at Georgia State University is your golden ticket to explore the in-depth knowledge of English language arts. Designed for modern educators, this program incorporates a flexible, innovative learning platform accessible anytime, anywhere.
Take a leap forward in your teaching career by acquiring an advanced understanding of English literature, language, and composition with our well-structured Master’s in English Education program. This online program enables you to weave your professional commitments around a flexible study schedule.
The Online Master of Education in English Education at Georgia State University encompasses a rich, diverse curriculum. Learn from the best as our experienced faculty share their insights on diverse English literature, comprehensive language studies, and impactful teaching methodologies. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure you have the resources to meet the challenges of today’s dynamic educational environment.
The English Education master’s degree prepares you to:
- Teach English as a second language
- Teach writing and composition
- Conduct research in English education
- Engage in continuous professional development
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
Online Learning Design and Development, Graduate Certificate
Online learning design is a high-demand field. Whether you want to learn how to develop multimedia assets or create e-Learning curriculum for your company, this 12-hour online graduate certificate in online learning design and development will make you career-ready.
Alumni are working in a wide variety of education, training and development areas, including the non-profit and military sectors.
The curriculum is centered on the competencies required to design, develop, facilitate and manage e-Learning programs. If you already work in the field, you will put the concepts to work right away in your job. Through a combination of classroom and practical activities, this program provides participants with the opportunity to design, produce and evaluate eLearning activities that make effective use of best practices and industry standards of development.