DEPARTMENT OF LEARNING SCIENCES PROGRAMS
Our Degree Programs
Use the filter to find specific programs within our department. Click the titles of the programs listed below to view the full program listings or the “quick view” link for an overview of the program.
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
Learning Sciences
The Applied Behavior Analysis program gives students the opportunity to work in a clinical and community environment to help people with disabilities. It teaches mastery of basic behavior-analytic skills, such as measurement, experimental design, and various principles and procedures of behavioral change to help students become better therapists, teachers and clinical practitioners.
Program highlights include collaborations with faculty members, opportunities for practicum internship placements and a cohort model that fosters lasting professional relationships. You will also learn client-centered responsibilities, such as problem identification, methods of intervention and implementation, management and supervision. This program also gives you important foundational knowledge, including the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Additional program highlights are detailed in the sections below.
Exam pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation. To access current pass rates, current and potential students may visit BACB’s University Pass Rates page.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the program course sequence toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
There is also a non-degree version of this program for students who have already obtained a master’s degree and are interested in taking coursework toward certification as a behavior analyst. Please view more details on this program below.
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.
Computer Science Endorsement
The computer science endorsement program is 100% online and designed for teachers who are interested in adding computer science to a current, renewable teaching certificate held in another content area. Candidates who successfully complete the program are prepared to effectively teach computer science courses at the pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade level.
The program has four courses:
- Digital literacy, information literacy and cybersecurity
- Computational thinking and human-computer interaction
- Programming concepts for teachers
- Computer science teaching methods
The programming and methods courses are offered over the seven-week summer semester in partially synchronous courses. These courses typically meet online once a week with other coursework completed between meetings.
The other two courses can be completed during the fall and spring semesters in traditional courses or they can be completed by earning badges through self-paced courses hosted by Georgia Virtual School.
The self-paced courses do not include instructor or peer support, but they require only a nominal fee to evaluate assessments and can be traded for course credit for free. We recommend these self-paced courses to teachers who
- 1) need to complete the program quicker,
- 2) need a lower-cost alternative to the traditional program, or
- 3) have prior knowledge of computing.
Applicant’s certificate level must be level SRT4 or higher and at any grade level pre-kindergarten through 12th grade or another eligible field. The Computer Science Endorsement program will require a cohort of 15 or more teachers.
Review the Pathways to Computer Science Endorsement at Georgia State document for more information.
Corporate Learning Professional Certificate
Learn to design online training and educational programs for organizations of all sizes with Georgia State’s online graduate certificate in corporate learning. Four courses from the master of science program in instructional design and technology come together to make up this 12-hour certificate.
Professionals who know how to design online training programs are in high demand. Corporations and businesses of all sizes need instructional designers and e-Learning specialists who know how to:
- Present content of all lengths and complexity
- Create engaging learning experiences
- Gather learning analytics for the purposes of tracking impact and outcomes
Alumni are working in a variety of education and training roles in government agencies, the military, nonprofit organizations, large corporations and businesses of all sizes. Whether you want to advance in your current organization, or switch career directions in instructional design or human performance technology, the current market for graduates with these skills is good.
Coursework will have you designing, managing and evaluating corporate learning solutions, which means you can put to use the competencies you develop right away in job-related situations.
Deaf Studies, Deaf Education Concentration, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies with a concentration in Deaf Education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with deaf/hard of hearing children or adults.
The courses in this program will give students a foundation in American Sign Language and deaf cultures(s). Students will also gain skills specific to teaching or interpreting for deaf individuals.
The deaf education concentration does not lead to teacher certification. Students who are interested in teacher certification must complete the deaf education concentration and the one-year Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education.
Deaf Studies, Sign Language Interpreting Concentration, B.A.
Sign Language Interpreting is an interdisciplinary field that combines highly developed competency in American Sign Language and English with knowledge of linguistics, interpretation, translation and principles of professional practice.
The Sign Language Interpreting concentration prepares students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to enter field of American Sign Language/English interpretation. Students develop confidence in their working languages, proficiency in linguistic and cultural analysis, and the interpersonal skills needed to develop a relevant and sound professional practice.
For students who are interested in pursuing careers working with deaf/hard of hearing children or adults, the B.A. Deaf Studies degree will allow for a concentration in Deaf Education or Sign Language Interpreting.
Education of Students with Exceptionalities, Ph.D.
The education of students with exceptionalities doctoral degree will teach you to become a leader in special education. You will learn how to conduct high-quality research in the area of special education. The experience you bring from your work in the special education field will enable you to learn how to teach others who want to become teachers. We will help you enhance the skills you’ll need to succeed in university positions as researchers and teachers, and to provide leadership in a variety of community, state or national service agencies.
CAREER CHOICES
- Faculty member at a university (tenure track or clinical)
- Leader or researcher at a university or other company
- District level leader or researcher in a school system
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.
Health Literacy Graduate Certificate
Improved health literacy increases health equity. Addressing health literacy reduces disparities through improved communication between patients and health consumers and those who provide health information, such as doctors or public health workers.
This online graduate certificate strengthens competencies already acquired in fields such as nursing, social work, public health and adult literacy. You will learn the importance of understandable and actionable health information, the challenges of acquiring and changing health-related behavior and the development of programs in the community for addressing low health literacy.
The online Graduate Certificate in Health Literacy combines a theoretical and practical approach to issues of health literate communication in adult education, the health professions, healthcare administration and public health.
This program is designed for :
- Adult educators
- Researchers
- Health care professionals
- Health system employees
- Public health practitioners
A significant feature of this certificate is the collaboration among scholars and practitioners in adult education, the health professions, healthcare administration and health promotion and behavior. The program gives students a systematic understanding of how health literacy impacts education, health outcomes, health communication, health promotion and behavior between and among individuals, businesses, health care entities, and traditional and digital media. These skills are critical in industry, academia, business, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and government.
Human Learning and Development, B.I.S.
The Human Learning and Development program provides students an opportunity to acquire a career-oriented range of skills and knowledge. Students choose from the coursework in behavior and learning disabilities, counseling, deaf studies, educational psychology, family and community literacy, learning technologies, and research methods and problem-solving. Courses are taught by faculty across the College of Education & Human Development’s seven departments.
No application is required for this bachelor’s degree. Students are required to declare two selected disciplines with their academic adviser or online.
Instructional Design and Technology, Graduate Certificate
The online graduate certificate in instructional design and technology prepares you for jobs focusing on the creation of training and education materials. The four courses in the program (12 credit hours) are from the master of science curriculum of the same name. You can complete the graduate certificate to reach your career goals or move on to the full M.S. program.
Technology training needs have never been greater. Jobs for experts in managing e-Learning programs and performance support in the workplace are in high demand.
You will gain the skills necessary to design, develop, facilitate and manage learning and technology training programs, including HR training and human performance support systems.
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
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.
Sign Language Interpreting, Undergraduate Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
The Sign Language Interpreting undergraduate post-baccalaureate certificate prepares students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to enter the field of American Sign Language/English interpretation. Students develop confidence in American Sign Language and English, proficiency in linguistic and cultural analysis, and the interpersonal skills needed to develop a relevant and sound professional practice. Interpreters work within a variety of venues and settings, including kindergarten through grade 12 and post-secondary educational settings, video relay service, community events, medical and mental health settings, and performance and theatrical interpreting. This certificate program is for students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
Special Education – High Incidence Disabilities, Minor
Special Education – High Incidence Disabilities, Minor
The Minor in Special Education High Incidence Disabilities provides undergraduate students with knowledge and experiences with the most common eligibility categories in special education. This program will explore the needs of students with behavior and/or learning disabilities (for example, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, 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.
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.
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 Endorsements
The Department of Learning Sciences offers several endorsements for advanced study in specific areas within special education for currently certified teachers or teacher candidates currently enrolled in a teacher certification program.
Endorsements add to the body of knowledge that special education teachers possess and are offered as a supplement to teacher certification, rather than a replacement. Teacher candidates seeking initial certification in special education should pursue the M.A.T. in special education.
Our special education endorsements include:
Special Education Autism Endorsement
This endorsement provides general and special education teachers with advanced knowledge in teaching students with autism. This endorsement does not replace the requirement of holding either a special education general curriculum or special education adapted curriculum certificate.
Special Education Preschool Endorsement
This endorsement provides special education teachers with advanced knowledge in teaching preschool-aged learners with disabilities. To be eligible for the endorsement, individuals must hold a level four (4) or higher renewable professional certificate or be concurrently enrolled in a special education teacher certification program at Georgia State.
Dyslexia and Other Reading Disabilities Endorsement – Online
This endorsement provides general and special education teachers along with other school-based practitioners with advanced study in dyslexia and other reading disabilities. The endorsement provides foundational reading skills and theories, and provides educators with deep and broad knowledge of instruction and assessment related to reading and writing with an emphasis on dyslexia and other reading disabilities.
This endorsement is offered as a fully online endorsement for students enrolled in the dyslexia and other reading disabilities endorsement (who are not also seeking teacher certification or a higher degree).
Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Endorsement – Online
This endorsement provides general and special education teachers along with other school-based practitioners with advanced study in positive behavioral interventions and support (PBIS). This provides foundational skills in PBIS theories, and provides educators with deep and broad knowledge of content, pedagogy, assessment and implementation strategies related to positive behavior intervention and supports. Candidates will apply course assignments in field-based settings, but this endorsement does not lead to certification.
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 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.
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, B.S.Ed.
The bachelor of science in education in special education degree prepares students to teach children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in schools. Students in the program work closely with faculty who have extensive experience working with children and youth with disabilities, and participate in both rigorous, practical coursework and applied classroom experiences.
Teacher candidates who successfully complete the program and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test(s) will be certified to teach in one of three special education areas. Our graduates go on to teach in charter, public, private and specialized school settings.
Our two special education certification areas are:
Adapted Curriculum
Students on an adapted curriculum often have a diagnosed intellectual disability, and learn academic skills and functional life skills tailored to their individual needs. In Georgia schools, students on an adapted curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in small-group settings.
General Curriculum
Students 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.
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.A.T.
Learning Sciences
The master of arts in teaching program in special education prepares highly qualified teachers to educate children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in schools. Students in the program learn to become leaders in the special education field, and work closely with faculty who have extensive experience working with children and youth with disabilities. The program, which offers a combination of practical courses and classroom experiences, is committed to helping teachers ensure all students grow to their fullest potential.
The M.A.T. program is designed for working professionals, with classes offered in the late afternoon and evening. As a teacher candidate, you will have the opportunity to become a highly qualified teacher alongside other students in a cohort model.
Teacher candidates who successfully complete the program and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test(s) will obtain a master’s degree and be certified to teach in one of three special education areas: Adapted curriculum, deaf education and general curriculum.
Our M.A.T. degree has three different concentration areas:
Adapted Curriculum Concentration
Students on an adapted curriculum often have a diagnosed intellectual disability, and learn academic skills and functional life skills tailored to their individual needs. In Georgia schools, students on an adapted curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in small-group settings. This concentration focuses on effective instruction for students on an adapted curriculum from preschool to 12th grade.
General Curriculum Concentration
Students 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. This concentration focuses on effective instruction for students served in the general curriculum from preschool to 12th grade.
Deaf Education Concentration
This concentration prepares teachers to educate students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and to work in schools that use a visual language, including residential schools, day schools and public school programs. Students learn about services across a wide variety of placement options and participate in in-depth coursework and experiences that will develop their skills for teaching in multilingual settings. Graduates 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