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.
Social Studies Education, M.A.T.
The 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, Geography, Political Science and Economics content areas.
The 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, Geography, Political Science and Economics content areas.Social Studies Education, M.Ed.
If you want to reinvigorate your passion for working with youth while deepening your knowledge of social studies, the Social Studies M.Ed. may be right for you. You must be certified in Secondary Social Studies education (grades 6-12). You can also use the master’s degree in social studies education to pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in the future.
If you want to reinvigorate your passion for working with youth while deepening your knowledge of social studies, the Social Studies M.Ed. may be right for you. You must be certified in Secondary Social Studies education (grades 6-12). You can also use the master’s degree in social studies education to pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in the future.Special Education – High Incidence Disabilities, Minor
The minor in Special Education High Incidence Disabilities provides undergraduate students with knowledge and experiences in special education. This program will explore the needs of students with behavior and learning disabilities (for example, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, ADHD and mild intellectual disabilities) and will study the issues related to the settings and learning environments in which they are served. Completion of the minor does not lead to certification in special education. Students interested in teacher certification in special education should review the certification page and contact the College of Education & Human Development’s Office of Academic Assistance and undergraduate admissions. These disabilities are the most frequently represented areas of disabilities in schools today, with students being served across a continuum of placements.
The minor in Special Education High Incidence Disabilities provides undergraduate students with knowledge and experiences in special education. This program will explore the needs of students with behavior and learning disabilities (for example, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, ADHD and mild intellectual disabilities) and will study the issues related to the settings and learning environments in which they are served. Completion of the minor does not lead to certification in special education. Students interested in teacher certification in special education should review the certification page and contact the College of Education & Human Development’s Office of Academic Assistance and undergraduate admissions. These disabilities are the most frequently represented areas of disabilities in schools today, with students being served across a continuum of placements.Special Education Adapted Curriculum, Initial Certification
The Initial Certification in Special Education Adapted Curriculum course of study is for students seeking only teacher certification. Certification-only students complete a planned program that leads to a College of Education and Human Development recommendation to the Professional Standards Commission for certification kindergarten through 12th grade as a teacher of Special Education Adapted Curriculum. The focus of the coursework is students with moderate, severe and profound intellectual disability and students with autism spectrum disorders. Prior to admission, we recommend you refer to Financial Aid about possible funding options.
The Initial Certification in Special Education Adapted Curriculum course of study is for students seeking only teacher certification. Certification-only students complete a planned program that leads to a College of Education and Human Development recommendation to the Professional Standards Commission for certification kindergarten through 12th grade as a teacher of Special Education Adapted Curriculum. The focus of the coursework is students with moderate, severe and profound intellectual disability and students with autism spectrum disorders. Prior to admission, we recommend you refer to Financial Aid about possible funding options.Special Education Deaf Education, Initial Certification
Our Special Education Deaf Education, Initial Certification program is for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and clear, renewable teaching certification. The certification must be in an area of regular education or special education. You should be highly qualified in a content area based on coursework to apply to this program. You must be a teacher or paraprofessional in a classroom of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, or you must submit a letter from a school superintendent verifying access to deaf or hard of hearing students. Prior to admission, we recommend you refer to Financial Aid about possible funding options.
Our Special Education Deaf Education, Initial Certification program is for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and clear, renewable teaching certification. The certification must be in an area of regular education or special education. You should be highly qualified in a content area based on coursework to apply to this program. You must be a teacher or paraprofessional in a classroom of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, or you must submit a letter from a school superintendent verifying access to deaf or hard of hearing students. Prior to admission, we recommend you refer to Financial Aid about possible funding options.Special Education Endorsements
Learning Sciences offers several Special Education Endorsements and non-degree programs in our special education program. These opportunities allow your to apply as non-degree students and register for a maximum of 9 semester hours. Non-degree students are subject to the same academic regulations as degree-seeking students. For those wishing to pursue a degree program in the College of Education & Human Development after having taken courses as a non-degree student, you must apply for admission according to the requirements of the degree desired. Our special education endorsements and non-degree programs include: Special Education Autism Education Endorsement Special Education Physical and Health Disabilities Endorsement Special Education Pre-School Endorsement Special Education (adapted curriculum, deaf education, early childhood special education or general curriculum) non-degree Our Special Education General Curriculum P-12 non-degree program is listed separately.
Learning Sciences offers several Special Education Endorsements and non-degree programs in our special education program. These opportunities allow your to apply as non-degree students and register for a maximum of 9 semester hours. Non-degree students are subject to the same academic regulations as degree-seeking students. For those wishing to pursue a degree program in the College of Education & Human Development after having taken courses as a non-degree student, you must apply for admission according to the requirements of the degree desired. Our special education endorsements and non-degree programs include:- Special Education Autism Education Endorsement
- Special Education Physical and Health Disabilities Endorsement
- Special Education Pre-School Endorsement
- Special Education (adapted curriculum, deaf education, early childhood special education or general curriculum) non-degree
Special Education Initial Certification, General Curriculum Pre-Kindergarten Through 12th Grade
The Special Education Initial Certification is a program for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial teacher certification. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, have passing scores on the GACE Program Admission Assessment or demonstrate an exemption and have completed the Georgia Educator Ethics – Program Entry (350) Assessment and have acquired tort liability insurance. Prior to admissions, we recommend that you refer to financial aid regarding possible funding options.
The Special Education Initial Certification is a program for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial teacher certification. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, have passing scores on the GACE Program Admission Assessment or demonstrate an exemption and have completed the Georgia Educator Ethics – Program Entry (350) Assessment and have acquired tort liability insurance. Prior to admissions, we recommend that you refer to financial aid regarding possible funding options.Special Education, B.S.Ed.
Our Special Education B.S.Ed. is a program that prepares you to teach children and youth with mild to moderate behavior and learning disabilities. Those disabilities may include: dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities attention disorders emotional behavior disorders) intellectual disabilities autism spectrum disorders hearing impairments We develop highly prepared teachers to be leaders in the field of special education. As a teacher preparation program we are committed to helping teachers ensure all students live up to their fullest potential. The bachelor of science degree program in special education includes rigorous, practical course-work and full-time student teaching. It leads to initial certification at the induction level in one of three concentration areas: adapted curriculum general curriculum deaf education
Our Special Education B.S.Ed. is a program that prepares you to teach children and youth with mild to moderate behavior and learning disabilities. Those disabilities may include:- dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities
- attention disorders
- emotional behavior disorders)
- intellectual disabilities
- autism spectrum disorders
- hearing impairments
- adapted curriculum
- general curriculum
- deaf education
Special Education, M.A.T.
College of Education & Human Development
Our Special Education M.A.T. gives you the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of special education. Our faculty are active researchers who have rich experiences working with children and youth with disabilities. The master of arts in teaching special education program prepares highly qualified teachers to be leaders in the field of special education. Teacher candidates who successfully complete program requirements, receive a passing score on the edTPA portfolio assessment and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test will obtain a master’s degree and be certified to teach in one of three special education areas: adapted curriculum deaf education general curriculum We offer specialized study in autism spectrum disorders, behavior and learning disabilities, deaf/hard of hearing, early childhood special education and intellectual disabilities. The program is designed for working professionals with classes offered in the late afternoon and evening. Courses are taught through a variety of delivery models including face-to-face, hybrid and fully online courses. As a teacher candidate you will have the opportunity to become a highly qualified teacher alongside other students as you complete your coursework through a cohort model.
Our Special Education M.A.T. gives you the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of special education. Our faculty are active researchers who have rich experiences working with children and youth with disabilities. The master of arts in teaching special education program prepares highly qualified teachers to be leaders in the field of special education. Teacher candidates who successfully complete program requirements, receive a passing score on the edTPA portfolio assessment and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test will obtain a master’s degree and be certified to teach in one of three special education areas:- adapted curriculum
- deaf education
- general curriculum
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. If you are a person with experience in social work, psychology, criminology or mental health and you are interested in learning strategies to support individuals with disabilities in non-educational or community-based settings this program may be a great option for you. The M.Ed. in special education does not lead to teacher certification. Students seeking initial teacher certification should consider our M.A.T. in Special Education.
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. If you are a person with experience in social work, psychology, criminology or mental health and you are interested in learning strategies to support individuals with disabilities in non-educational or community-based settings this program may be a great option for you. The M.Ed. in special education does not lead to teacher certification. Students seeking initial teacher certification should consider our M.A.T. in Special Education.