Academics MSE

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 advocacy, learning technologies, research methods and problem-solving, and urban education. 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.

The B.S.E. in Middle Level Education prepares you to teach in schools in historically marginalized communities by emphasizing political, historical and cultural community contexts and integrating a strong justice and equity orientation.

The Middle Level Education degree program is designed for students who seek a bachelor’s degree and initial teaching certification in Middle Level Education grades 4-8 in two of the following concentration areas:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

This program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education (B.S.E.) and a clear and renewable (T4) Induction Certificate in Georgia.

Throughout the program, you’ll take specialized courses and gain practical teaching experience in the field. Our 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. Students may also complete three additional classes in order to be English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsed to teach the growing population of English language learners by the time of completion.

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.

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.

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) concentration in World Languages Teacher Education provides students an opportunity to further develop their skills and knowledge in French or Spanish language, culture and literary skills while completing requirements recommended for kindergarten through 12th-grade teaching certification to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. World language educators completing the program will be prepared to support multilingual speakers in urban environments to value diverse perspectives and language varieties and to act as responsible global citizens.

This program is grounded in educational theory, research and best teaching practices, integrating principles of social justice and equity. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical experience in kindergarten through 12th-grade. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.

The Master of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in Chemistry Education and teaching certification is designed to prepare students for the growing need for chemistry teachers in middle and high schools, particularly in the Atlanta Metro Area.

Students in this program will take courses in chemistry and education to deepen and expand their content knowledge and enhance their teaching skills and pedagogical content knowledge.

Masters’ students in the Department of Chemistry typically receive a tuition waiver and a stipend, allowing students to complete this program without taking on a significant financial burden.

The Georgia State University 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.

Want to make a difference for immigrant students and families who are new to the U.S. while learning the art and science of teaching? Did you know this population represents 10% of all schoolchildren and continues to grow rapidly?

You can be the change agent who makes a difference in providing skills and access to academic achievement. And you can learn it all online. The Georgia State Master of Arts in Teaching with a major in English to Speakers of Other Languages is designed for students with bachelor’s degrees seeking initial teaching certification in ESOL –grades kindergarten through 12th grade.

The ESOL degree program is grounded in educational theory, research and best practice, integrating principles of social justice and equity throughout. Throughout the program, students take specialized education, content courses and gain practical teaching experience, mostly in middle or high school.

Graduates of this program earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree and a clear and renewable (T5) induction certificate in the state of 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.

The program also includes the option of receiving a reading endorsement that qualifies graduates to teach reading courses to all students (not just English language learners) at the middle or secondary level (grades 6-12). Our dynamic program features technology integration. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.

The Literacy Education M.Ed. online program at Georgia State University 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 P-12 students in urban and multicultural learning environments.

This online M.Ed. program requires completing 36 semester hours of coursework and an electronic portfolio. 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.

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 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.

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 at Georgia State University is offered entirely online program and designed to be completed in four semesters.

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.

The Online Master’s in English Education Program at Georgia State University is for certified teachers in secondary English education or middle-level language arts, grades 6-12.
It is designed to:

• reinvigorate your love of literature and passion for working with youth
• deepen your knowledge of teaching literature, composition and language study
• help you design assignments that connect to students’ real-world experiences, benefit their communities and more.

The program incorporates a flexible study schedule and a learning platform accessible anytime, anywhere.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Georgia State University Ed.D. program in curriculum and instruction prepares master teachers to become instructional leaders and curriculum specialists who wish to develop expertise in advocacy for equity in teaching and learning, curriculum theory and development and pedagogical leadership.

Our Ed.D. program consists of a rigorous, collaborative, interdisciplinary program that promotes understanding the complex dynamics among theory, research and practice. Our graduates are empowered scholar-educators who advocate for social justice and educational equity at the classroom, school, district and state levels. Grounded in educational research, our interdisciplinary courses offer students the opportunity to conceptualize, theorize, dialogue, problem-pose, problem-solve, create and evaluate a wide range of educational theories, practices and policies related to curriculum and instruction.

Concentrations include art education, middle level, language and literacy education, mathematics education, foreign language education, music education, science education and social studies education.

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.

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.

Graduate courses in bilingual/English as a second language give teachers additional training to work with non-English speaking or limited English speaking students at the early childhood, middle childhood and secondary school levels.

Successful completion of Georgia State’s non-degree online ESOL endorsement coursework and a portfolio qualifies a person to teach ESOL in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Students seeking only the non-degree online ESOL endorsement must be admitted to the College of Education & Human Development as a non-degree student. All courses in the non-degree online ESOL endorsement must be completed online. No other courses may apply.

Georgia State University’s online Literacy Specialist Non-Degree Certification is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in education and T4 certification. Ideal candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills in the foundations of reading, literacy and language. This proficiency may be demonstrated through completion of the Reading Endorsement (based on GaPSC Rule 505-3-. 96, effective July 1, 2023, or later), certification in Elementary Education (earned after July 1, 2025), a passing score on the Reading Education GACE (after July 1, 2025), or another valid and reliable measure of candidate proficiency.

Students will be eligible to be recommended for the Literacy Specialist Non-Degree Certification after successfully completing all coursework, including embedded key assessments, and successfully passing the GACE 560 Literacy Specialist examination. Upon successfully completing the teacher development course and internship in teacher support, students will also be recommended for the Teaching Support and Coaching Endorsement.

Georgia State University offers graduate courses in literacy aligned with Georgia’s Reading Endorsement for classroom teachers, focusing on three core areas to equip teachers with specialized skills for effectively supporting diverse student needs:

• Advanced development in reading and writing instruction, emphasizing structured literacy as an evidence-based approach aligned with the Science of Reading.
• In-depth training in diagnosing literacy challenges and designing responsive, differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Advanced exploration of disciplinary literacy practices, enhancing literacy skills within specific content areas.

The Online Reading Endorsement courses can also count toward a Master’s in Literacy Education. Additionally, completing these courses is a prerequisite for eligibility to enroll in the Literacy Specialist M.Ed.

To learn details about this program, visit the Urban Literacy Clinic.

Georgia State’s graduate certificate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is 100 percent online and will help expand your STEM content knowledge in implementing standards-aligned and project-based curricula at the middle and secondary school levels.

Because we know you are being asked to integrate more STEM content into your curriculum, we have designed this post-baccalaureate certificate to help you:

• Understand more about students from diverse backgrounds
• Explore issues of justice and equity in STEM classrooms
• Expand your STEM knowledge through research and community-engaged scholarship
• Network with educators around the nation who are from the varied STEM disciplines
• Develop new digital teaching and learning techniques to better reach your students

The STEM Education certificate will help teachers develop science, mathematical and digital literacies and equip them with tools to better teach their students.

Georgia State’s Urban Education Endorsement is offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level to provide you with specialized preparation for teaching in urban settings regardless of where you are in your teaching career. You will develop a broad understanding of urban schools and communities, emphasizing the social, economic, political and historical factors that shape urban schooling. You’ll learn culturally responsive teaching strategies that intellectually, socially and emotionally empower students. Teachers pursuing this endorsement may be enrolled as non-degree students or in specific programs.

This multidisciplinary online teaching endorsement is offered through the  Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, the  Department of Middle and Secondary Education and the  Department of Educational Policy Studies. You will learn to create connections between theory and practice, moving beyond stories of school failure to identify and cultivate educational assets within urban schools and communities to empower learners.

The undergraduate-level endorsement can be added by undergraduates admitted to a teacher education program with a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and a pre-service teacher certificate. View the tab below or the undergraduate catalog for admissions requirements.

The graduate-level endorsement is offered to certified teachers or those admitted to a Georgia State initial teacher preparation program who hold a pre-service certificate. View the tab below or the graduate catalog for admissions requirements.

The Georgia State University online World Languages Teacher Graduate Certificate is essential to successful classroom teaching and student learning. Earning this online graduate certificate will not only improve your classroom practice but will also help you more effectively engage your students in learning activities that help your students develop proficiency in world languages.

This online certificate is for individuals who hold a university undergraduate or graduate degree (with a GPA higher than 2.50) who are interested in being recommended for clear and renewable k-12 teaching certification by the Georgia Performance Standards Commission (GaPSC) to teach a world language (Spanish, French, German, Chinese or Korean).

Students in the Department of World Languages and Cultures may apply nine credits from their program (FORL 6128 and electives FORL 8125 and FORL 8126), leaving only 9-12 more credits needed to be recommended for a renewable certificate.

The curriculum integrates social justice and equity principles and is grounded in educational theory, research and best teaching practices. Students take specialized education and content courses throughout the program and gain practical experience in kindergarten through 12th grade. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools committed to excellence in education.

This program also includes the option of pursuing a Dual Language Immersion endorsement online and on campus for individuals with an interest in teaching elementary school courses (typically math, science and social science) in the target language with additional coursework.

For individuals seeking a master’s degree with teaching certification, the 30-credit Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) in World Languages Education program, available online and on campus, allows program graduates to explore multidisciplinary teaching with the possibility of an endorsement (ESOL, DLI or Urban Education) or to deepen their mastery of the target language. The World Language Teacher Graduate Certificate is embedded in the 30-credit M.I.S. in World Languages Education. Thus, the M.I.S. leads to a teaching degree with a clear and renewable (T5) induction certificate in the state of Georgia with a step advance on the pay scale above the (T4) certification only.

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.