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The information shared here is intended to provide an overview of Georgia State University’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more please refer to the university catalogs.
ESOL Endorsement
College of Education & Human Development
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. ESOL endorsement Successful completion of the coursework and portfolio demonstrating competencies established for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers by Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) results in candidates being endorsed to teach ESOL in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must be admitted as graduate students to the College of Education & Human Development. Students who do not hold an initial certification in a teaching field may apply to the M.A.T. degree in reading, language and literacy education to receive initial certification in ESOL and a reading endorsement. View the In-Person Course Information Online ESOL endorsement Successful completion of the 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. View the Online Course Information
College of Education & Human Development
Georgia State's B.S. in Exercise Science prepares students for careers in adult fitness and wellness, worksite health promotion/corporate fitness, personal training, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and other related fields. Preparation is also provided in biomechanical analysis, program management, sports skills development and enhancement, strength and conditioning, and related topics. Employers value Exercise Science majors. In every class, at every event, and in every program in which you participate, you practice skills that connect to the competencies employers value most. Heath care, exercise, and fitness thrives in team-based environments, and the B.S. Exercise Science curriculum is designed to enhance collaboration skills that will transfer in the field. This is accomplished through group activities and labs. The Exercise Science Program integrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills in program-level courses. Technology is evolving in the health and fitness industry, and allowing our students to experience and train with the most recent technology to help evaluate the human body is paramount. Many classes aim to help students evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and work develop as leaders in the field.
College of Education & Human Development
The Georgia State M.S. in Exercise Science prepares students to conduct research in exercise science or pursue careers in worksite health promotion or fitness, cardiac rehabilitation or related clinical programs. The program includes classroom, laboratory, research and field experience in biomechanics, exercise physiology, psychology of physical activity and related interdisciplinary coursework in areas such as public health, gerontology and nutrition. Exercise science provides advanced academic preparation for a successful career in the health and fitness field or for advancement to doctoral-level study.
Film and Media Studies Pathway, A.A.
Perimeter College
What Is Film? Film is one of the leading art forms of the 21st century. To understand the cinematic medium is to be aware of its impact as a cultural and artistic force. Film at Perimeter College examines the analysis, history, theory and critique of the film industry, allowing students to learn how art, business and technology combine to create films that express our 21st century culture. Why Study Film? Georgia has seen explosive growth in the film industry in recent years. Major studios such as EUE/Screen Gems, Pinewood, Tyler Perry, Eagle Rock and Triple Horse have built new facilities in Georgia. This activity generated $6 billion in Georgia in 2015 and created 23,000 new jobs with average salaries of $48,000-$65,000. The Film guided pathway at Perimeter College is the first step on a student’s film career journey. Students will be able to examine the convergence of art, technology, industry, politics and culture and learn to think critically about movies and other forms of visual media. They will learn how cinematography, lighting, music and sound design reinforce the themes and character development in films. The film pathway also is designed to help students smoothly transition to the bachelor’s degree program at Georgia State University, where film is one of the most popular majors. A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.
Film and Media, B.A.
The Film and Media major is devoted to the interdisciplinary study of film, television and new media. Courses focus on the histories and theories of cinematic, electronic and digital media and provide the opportunity for practical experience in film/media production. Students work closely with faculty members to devise an optimum program of study integrating creative and collaborative thinking. This liberal arts approach to film, television and new media provides the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to the changing media environment.
Film/Media Production, B.A./M.A. Dual Degree
Film/Media Production, B.A./M.A. Dual Degree
The School of Film, Media, & Theater offers a professionalized dual-degree program for bachelor of arts (B.A.) Film students aspiring for advanced honors-level and master of arts (M.A.) thesis production. This program is designed to take five years (including a student’s freshman and sophomore years), at the end of which, a student will receive both a bachelor of arts degree in film and media and a master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in film, media and digital imaging. The dual-degree program is ideal for students who are sophomores or juniors and want to use their senior year as a segue into graduate work. The senior year would involve advanced coursework that one would usually take in the first year of the M.A. program. The first (and only) year of the M.A. program would involve only advanced coursework and the thesis film.
Foreign Language Ability, Undergraduate Certificate
The Department of World Languages & Cultures offers an Undergraduate Certificate of Language Ability as a credential for students that provides tangible proof of their world language abilities in oral and written communication. The certificate serves as an ideal complement to a major in other areas of study including business, international relations, public healthy, criminal justice and hospitality. The certificate program is open to any student at Georgia State pursuing an undergraduate degree, including heritage speakers. Students can earn the certificate in: Arabic Chinese French German Japanese Korean Spanish
Game Design, B.A.
The B.A. in Game Design trains interested students to integrate game arts with related advanced technology software platforms in which videogames are conceptualized, designed and created. The team at the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) is composed of scholars and professors of practice who work with students on theory and practical industry knowledge. Our students have access to a unique group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and strengths to give them a more well-rounded education and view of the creative industry. Students have access to professionals who are well-regarded in the industry, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and documentary filmmaker, and a professor of practice who has created cutting-edge visual effects for some of Hollywood’s biggest feature films, including "Avatar" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Students who are interested in deeper training in game programming or whose career interests might include work in the wider data sciences, might consider the B.S. in Game Development program at CMII.
Game Development, B.S.
The B.S. in Game Development trains students for coding, programming and software-intensive game development careers. The program is for students aspiring to gain the background and technical skill necessary for a career in game development or science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related areas in computational media and connects students to the region’s game design companies and to the industrial ecosystem for games development in the region. The major, while mainly preparing students for careers in the videogame companies and start-up enterprises, can also prepare students for careers in game production, animation, motion graphics, postproduction and wider software development industries, including social media analytics, Web and application development. The Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) is partnered with the Georgia Film Academy and collaborates with the Georgia Film Academy on related certifications in esports management for students who want to work in that and associated sectors.
General Studies Pathway, A.S.
Perimeter College
What is General Studies? General Studies is a guided pathway allowing exposure to a variety of subjects and providing students flexibility as they move to the baccalaureate level. Students will take courses across a broad spectrum of fields, emphasizing breadth rather than depth. Why choose General Studies? General Studies is an excellent choice for students who are undecided about a major or for those who wish to emphasize the liberal arts. By choosing General Studies, students will have the ability to select from a wide variety of majors later when they pursue their bachelor’s degree programs. Through exposure to numerous fields of study, students will enhance their critical thinking, communication and analytical abilities, skills employers rate as highly desirable. A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.
Geographic Information Systems, Professional Certificate
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used every day, most often for mapping points of reference and data related to points on the Earth’s surface. GIS jobs are plentiful and growth in the industry is expected to continue in the coming years. With the Georgia State GIS graduate certificate, you will be able to start or advance your career in: Urban and regional planning Environmental resource management Surveying, cartography and mapping Geospatial data analytics The faculty and staff in the Georgia State University Department of Geosciences are well networked in GIS-related industries and firms in the Atlanta area and beyond. Through applied projects, students will gain real-world experience in utilizing mapping and geospatial technologies to address pressing social and environmental concerns. Our faculty have expertise in GIS, geography and geology, and we specialize in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry, global climate change and solving urban environmental problems. All courses required to earn the certificate can be completed online. Courses are taught asynchronously. There may be opportunities for workshops or tutorial session on campus.
Geology Pathway, A.S.
Perimeter College
What Is Geology? Geology is an earth science focused on the planet’s composition, structure, physical properties and history, as well as the processes that shape the Earth. Geologists help to locate and manage the earth’s natural resources, including fossil fuels, metals, gemstones and a variety of minerals. Why Study Geology? Geology-based careers include protecting the environment, exploring for fossil fuels, monitoring earthquakes, mapping floods, controlling landslides, predicting volcanic eruptions and analyzing the evidence of climate change. To be successful, geologists should have an aptitude for science and math and a desire to better understand the planet. A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.
Georgia Film Academy Minor
Georgia Film Academy Minor
The Georgia Film Academy (GFA) supports the Georgia Film Consortium (GFC), which is a unique-in-the-nation, state-wide collaboration of institutions of the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia and independent institutions that offer professional courses in film, television, digital entertainment, Esports and game development. The academy certifies workforce-ready employees in needed areas of film-making crafts such as lighting, special effects makeup, sound and production design, and editing. The academy provides students with a basic level of on-set film production skills, knowledge and experience with film-industry standard organizational structure, professional equipment and on-set procedures. Students are trained by professionals in the film, television and new media industries and have opportunities to work on major professional productions. The following tracks are available. Standard Track Film and Television Production Track Film and Television Post-Production Track Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development Track Students completing the Film and Television Production, Film and Television Post-Production or Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development Track will also receive a certification through the Georgia Film Academy.
Geosciences B.A./M.S. and B.S./M.S.
Geosciences B.A./M.S. and B.S./M.S.
Students can fast-track their education and save money on tuition by earning bachelor's and master's degrees in geosciences in as little as five years. Students can choose from a B.A. or B.S. program, enrolling in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program that count toward both the bachelor’s and M.S. in Geosciences degree. Students in the 4+1 "Dual Degree" program can choose from a wide range of areas of study to match their interests and career goals: Bachelor of Arts concentrations are offered in geography and urban studies. Bachelor of Sciences concentrations are offered in geology, environmental geosciences, geography and urban studies. The Master of Science program offers concentrations in geography, geology and water sciences. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographical information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, B.A. Geography Concentration
Geography focuses on the interdisciplinary study of the human and physical world. As the Association of American Geographers describes it, human geography examines “spatial aspects of human existence,” while physical geography examines patterns of climates, landforms, vegetation, soils and water. The geography concentration prepares students for a variety of public and private sector jobs, and provides a solid intellectual foundation for students getting advanced degrees in the social or natural sciences. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, B.A., Urban Studies Concentration
The Urban Studies concentration enables students to focus on the study of cities, including urban development and economics, urban politics and institutions, the urban built environment, social and environmental disparities in cities and the changing physical and social dynamics of urbanization processes. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to draw from a variety of courses to solve some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century city. The Urban Studies concentration draws from classes in complementary departments, enabling the student to develop specific interests within the concentration. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.