What does it cost?

Learn more about the cost of an online endorsement, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

How long will it take?

9 credit hours

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus, Online

All required classes to earn an endorsement can be completed online. The Urban Education Endorsement may also be completed by taking a mix of online and in person classes on the Atlanta Campus.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: July 15
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: May 1

Urban Education Endorsement

Program Coordinator, Joyce Many
[email protected] or 404-413-8104

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.

Program Highlights

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission established an Urban Education Endorsement in response to the call from public school educators who saw the need for preparing educators to better understand and meet the needs of under-served students in urban areas.

Georgia State’s Professional Education Faculty’s conceptual framework underscores our commitment to urban education, to meet the needs of diverse learners and to social justice and equity.

As leaders in the state and nationally in urban education, our faculty are compelled to ensure students in our educator preparation programs are prepared to teach in urban schools.

Through this endorsement, we offer all educators the opportunity to develop the content and expertise to effectively meet the needs of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse students in urban contexts.

Program Details

Current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in education programs at Georgia State can receive the Urban Education Endorsement by pursuing a minor in Urban Education. Current students should check with their advisor to ensure they have the correct program of study for the minor in Urban Education.

Prospective students who meet the admissions requirements below may apply to the program using the HOW TO APPLY button on this page.

Candidates will need to submit the following for review:

  • Online Application
  • Application Fee of $50
  • Goals Statement (upload with the application — applicant should outline the motivation for pursuing the endorsement)
  • Proof of Teacher Certification in Georgia (upload teaching certificate to application)
  • Official Transcript(s): minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA or master’s degree
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302

The coursework in this endorsement consists of three courses representing the following areas: (a) Strand 1:  The impact of culture, ideologies and implicit bias: Understanding the self as educator, (b)  Strand 2:  Historic, systemic and institutionalized oppression in urban education: Understanding race and intersectionality in and out of schools and (c) Strand 3: Excellence in urban education: Cultivating culturally and historically responsive educators.

Curriculum

Strand 1:  The Impact of Culture, Ideologies and Implicit Bias: Understanding the Self as Educator

Required (3 hrs.):

EDUC 7440  Self in Society: Decolonizing Educator Identities Toward Excellence in Urban Education

Strand 2:  Historic, Systemic and Institutionalized Oppression in Urban Education: Understanding Race and Intersectionality In and Out of Schools

Required (3 hrs.):

EDCI 7980/8780 Teaching and Learning in Urban Contexts

Strand 3: Excellence in Urban Education: Cultivating Culturally and Historically Responsive Educators

Choose one (3 hrs):

EDUC 7460 Culturally and Historically Responsive Education
EDRD 7210 Family Literacy and Community Learning

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog:

Undergraduate Urban Education Endorsement

Graduate Urban Education Endorsement

Affording Your Endorsement
Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances, and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

Learn more about the cost of an endorsement, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study.

Contact Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

Use the Student Financial Services Guided Paths to walk you through the Financial Aid Process and learn about all our options for financing your education.

Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits. Download our guide to How to Start Your VA Benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see TAP Tuition Assistance.

This degree program aims to prepare teachers intellectually and pragmatically to be effective in urban classrooms and to become leaders in urban school districts. Upon successful completion of this program, you will understand the interrelationships of race, class and culture in an urban classroom, be able to communicate effectively within the school and parent community and effectively engage community resources to enhance learning experiences.

Career Outcomes

This program can help you prepare for several career paths. Depending on your current knowledge, education level and experience, many different positions could benefit from our accredited certificate:

  • Curriculum specialist
  • Community organizer
  • Education policymaker
  • K-12 urban education director
  • Private school teacher

The teaching and community outreach skills that you gain from our Graduate Certificate in Urban Education can be an asset and supplement your current experience in the education field.

Group picture of students who completed the program.

Contacts

Program Coordinator
Joyce Many
[email protected]
404-413-8104

Mailing Address and Office Location
College of Education & Human Development, Suite 550
30 Pryor St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303 USA

College of Education and Human Development Logo30 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303