Academic Programs
Choose from a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, certificate and endorsement programs in education and human service fields.
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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.
Educational Policy Studies, Ph.D.
Educational Policy Studies
The Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies allows students to examine the philosophy and practice of education and to develop skills in both the methodology and the study of educational practice. Students will prepare to become policymakers and examiners of policy and the effects of policy on education.
There are four concentrations you can choose within this degree program:
Concentration in Educational Leadership
This concentration has three strands (leadership and administration, leadership and policy or leadership and urban education) that emphasize organizational leadership, policy development, supervision and management. The leadership concentration will be designed to meet the students’ unique career objectives including teaching and research in academia, leading schools, school districts and other education agencies. For those students seeking to obtain a Tier II certification, they must apply to the leadership and administration strand.
(Note: Applicants who receive favorable admission to the Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies with a concentration in Educational Leadership can apply to the Tier II certification should they qualify; to qualify, an applicant must be employed in a K-12 system to be able to complete the required hours of clinical leadership experiences for the Tier II certification, satisfy the Georgia Ethics Assessment for Educational Leadership, and finally submit a letter of recommendation from their immediate supervisor)
Concentration in Higher Education
The concentration in Higher Education will prepare students for careers in higher education as academics, researchers, policymakers and practitioners. Through an interdisciplinary study of theory, research and content, graduates will be able to understand, analyze and impact higher education in complex ways. Students who pursue the concentration in higher education will explore and challenge a range of perspectives in order to develop an in-depth understanding of higher education; including but not limited to its educational and intellectual core, its institutional and organizational structures, its social, cultural and civic context, as well as its contemporary role as an enterprise.
Concentration in Research, Measurement and Statistics
This concentration prepares graduates to investigate research methodologies, to conduct research related to schools, and to conduct and critique research in educational practice, policy and administration. Students develop knowledge and skills in qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methods.
Concentration in Social Foundations of Education
Social foundations is a broadly conceived field of educational study that derives its character from a number of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary studies. At Georgia State University, the disciplines involved in social foundations inquiry are history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology and political science; the interdisciplinary field is cultural studies. The purpose of social foundations study is to bring the intellectual resources derived from these areas to bear in developing interpretive, normative and critical perspectives of educational theory, policy and practices, both inside and outside of schools.
For more information about the concentrations, please visit:
Educational Psychology, M.S.
The educational psychology master’s degree helps students understand the science of learning and behavioral change with emphasis on the application of the principles of psychology to the systematic study of education.
Students can explore:
- Learning
- Instruction
- Motivation
- Development
- Cognition
- Socialization
- Applied behavior analysis*
*While educational psychology master’s students may gain exposure to applied behavior analysis through some coursework, students must be enrolled in the applied behavior analysis program (as either a MS or non-degree student) to be eligible to complete the coursework required to become eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination.
Educational Psychology M.S. and Ph.D. programs are research-focused and are not designed to prepare you for licensing exams or certifications. If you are interested in certifications for teaching, counseling, or school psychology, we encourage you to explore the other programs in Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development.
Educational Psychology, Minor
Educational Psychology, Minor
The educational psychology minor is for undergraduates interested in a deeper understanding of how psychological principles can be applied in educational settings.
Educational psychology minors will gain experience in topics such as:
- The science of learning
- Applied memory and cognition
- Sociocultural and diversity issues in education
- Learning and development
- Behavior analysis
Educational Psychology, Ph.D.
In the educational psychology doctoral program, students work closely with faculty to examine how theories of learning, culture, development and behavior can be applied to educational settings. Our program is in the Department of Learning Sciences, a growing group of interdisciplinary researchers.
The EPY Ph.D. program follows an apprenticeship model. This means you are paired with a faculty advisor in your first year of the program. Along with your advisor, you will put together a tailored curriculum that suits your interests and satisfies the requirements. You are also encouraged to reach out to faculty members whose research interests overlap with your own.
Broadly, our faculty’s areas of research include:
- Urban Education and Diverse Learners
- Literacy Across the Lifespan
- Behavior Analysis
- STEM Thinking
- Disciplinary Learning
- Computer-Based Learning Environments
See our faculty biographies for more information.
What is the structure of the EPY Ph.D. program?
In the early years of study, Ph.D. students gain foundational knowledge in current issues in education, theories of learning and development and methodology.
As you progress, you will work closely with faculty to develop greater expertise in their research specialty. You will take additional seminars and electives as well as engage in more independent research. This phase of work is marked by the completion of a comprehensive exam.
The final portion of the Ph.D. program is the proposal, writing and defense of the doctoral dissertation.
If you do not have a master’s degree, you are still encouraged to apply to the Ph.D. program. You can be admitted concurrently and receive your master’s degree on the way to your Ph.D.
Educational Research (online), M.S.
The online M.S. in educational research prepares you to conduct research, evaluate programs and policies and translate current research into practical language. Our graduates are working in research units housed in educational agencies at the state and local level, non-profits and private employers who value internal research capacity.
- Statistics
- Measurement
- Program evaluation
- Survey research
- Computer applications
- Policy research
If you have an interest in applying skills in statistics and research methodology to address educational problems in today’s world, our program will help you advance.
Educational Research and Mental Health Counseling M.S.
Educational Policy Studies
Our educational research and mental health counseling dual degree program* combines educational research and the application of educational research methodology to a content area in mental health counseling.
You will meet faculty who are leaders in the field and find opportunities for research and field experience that are an enhancement to each of these academic programs. The program leads to a master of science degree with majors in educational research and mental health counseling.
Graduates of the program have increased career opportunities within academia and the work setting.
*This program requires you to apply to both educational research and mental health counseling to be admitted to complete the degree program.
Educational Research, M.S.
The educational research master’s program prepares students to conduct research and evaluate programs in kindergarten through 12th grade schools, colleges and universities, and other settings (for example: government, healthcare and public health).
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of research methods as they are applied to the study of education.
Coursework is available in the following areas: statistics, measurement, program evaluation, survey research, computer applications, qualitative research, institutional research, and policy research.
Graduates of this program find employment in research units housed in educational agencies (for example: local education agencies, state boards of education), non-profits, and private employers who seek to improve their research capacity. Master of Science in Educational Research graduates are also well prepared to seek admission to Ph.D. studies in various disciplines.
Elementary Education (UACM), M.A.T.
The M.A.T. in elementary education 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.
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.
Elementary Education, B.S.Ed.
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
The elementary education bachelor’s degree program prepares teachers to work with children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The program reflects research and evidence-based practice in the field of early childhood education, elementary education and teacher education.
We offer two concentrations:
- Early childhood education (pre-kindergarten through 5th grade) certification
- Early childhood education (pre-kindergarten through 5th grade) and early childhood special education (pre-kindergarten through 5th grade) dual certification
Our students receive content and pedagogy in all academic disciplines taught in elementary classrooms. There are also opportunities for teacher preparation in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), as well as in urban education and dual immersion settings.
The program provides integration of the visual, theatrical and musical arts in the context of digital technology. The broad and extensive field-based experiences effectively develop your knowledge and ability to select and implement developmentally appropriate technology, resources and activities for teaching and learning in diverse settings across grade levels.
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.
Click the “View Catalog Button” below to see the program breakdown for the dual certification concentration program. For the early childhood education (pre-kindergarten through 5th grade) certification program, visit the program description page.
Elementary Education, Online M.Ed.
Our online M.Ed. in Elementary Education program is designed for teachers looking for an advanced degree with a concentrated study in a specific area through an endorsement. You complete your chosen endorsement as a part of the M.Ed. program, with no additional courses required. Program experiences provide you with instructional capabilities, pedagogical content knowledge and the mindsets needed to serve as effective and equitable teachers and teacher leaders in your schools and communities.
Open Endorsements
- Kindergarten through 5th-grade mathematics endorsement
- Dual language endorsement (only for M.Ed. applicants who hold a Foreign Language Education Certificate from the state of Georgia, otherwise M.Ed. applicants can choose this as a concentration)
- Reading endorsement
English Education, M.A.T.
The English education program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek an initial teaching certification in secondary English (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 the state of Georgia.
English educators are responsible for constructing learning environments that support students’ development in 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.
The secondary English 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 for middle and high school levels. 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 who are committed to excellence in education.
This program will transform your passion into a professional career, providing an initial certification for teaching English language arts for 6th-12th grades.
English Education, M.Ed.
Middle and Secondary Education
Reinvigorate your passion for working with youth and deepen your knowledge of teaching literature, composition and more with our English education master’s program.
You can use the master’s degree in English education to pursue a doctorate or transition into an alternative career requiring a background and expertise in English education and related areas.