Degrees & Majors

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 Teacher Support and Coaching (TSC) Endorsement Program in Early Childhood and Elementary Education is one of six endorsements offered through the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education. The TSC Endorsement is embedded in the M.Ed. Elementary Education program as one of the eight concentrations offered to students. In addition, graduate students may elect to earn a stand-alone endorsement in TSC by enrolling and successfully completing: ECE 8400 Teacher Development and ECE 8680 Internship in Teacher Support. Candidates must have three years of teaching experience to be eligible to enroll in the six (6) hours of Teacher Support and Coaching Endorsement courses. One content course focuses on developing a deep and broad knowledge of research on teacher development, induction and retention including the: conditions and contexts that may inhibit or promote teacher knowledge, growth and change professional learning needs of teachers across their career lifespan productive coaching activities One internship course provides an authentic residency that focuses on coaching and mentoring teacher candidates and other early-career teachers.

Philosophy teaches a person how to think critically and creatively, how to write clearly and persuasively, and other skills valuable to a wide range of careers, including law, business, the sciences and education. The Department of Philosophy has three areas of strength: Social, Legal, and Political Philosophy Philosophy of Mind, Cognitive Science, and Neurophilosophy The History of Philosophy The department also offers a series of courses in applied ethics, which provides students useful skills for their careers and their lives. Courses in this area include Introduction to Ethics, Sex and Love, Race and Racism, Biomedical Ethics, Philosophy of Law, Business Ethics, and our signature experience course in which students prepare to compete in the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl.

Georgia State has one of the most highly regarded terminal M.A. programs in philosophy in the country, with strong placement into prestigious Ph.D. programs and a lauded teacher-training program. In addition, the department has developed three areas of research strength: Social, legal and political philosophy Neurophilosophy and empirically informed philosophy of mind History of philosophy

The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) prepares students for a range of careers in government, public service, entrepreneurship and the corporate world. Georgia State's program helps students become familiar with, and capable of contributing to, ongoing debates about the nature of good political and economic institutions, as well as the policies and practices best suited for creating and sustaining them. Students develop the intellectual skills of the social scientist who seeks to understand how social, political and economic institutions operate and are interrelated, and the moral philosopher who seeks to critically evaluate these institutions and the social world more generally, in relation to how they ought to operate. Historically, philosophy, political science and economics were deeply connected.  The intellectual father of modern economics, Adam Smith, was a philosopher concerned with moral and political philosophy.  PPE, as a contemporary academic field of study, began at Oxford University in 1920 and has spread across the English-speaking world. LEARN ABOUT PPE AT GEORGIA STATE

The Georgia State University Graduate Photography program provides students with a critical and conceptual grounding as they independently pursue their studio practice. The weekly seminar serves as the backbone of the program. Critical theory is stressed, while critique forms the basis for dialogue about ongoing work. Students are encouraged to look beyond established photographic conventions and to push their work in new directions. Creative investigation across disciplines is avidly supported and results in students working in mixed media, video, digital, installation, performance and conventional photographic print media. Guest critics and guest artists are invited to final critiques to supplement the expertise of the faculty.

What Is Physics? Physics is the exploration, identification and study of basic principles and laws governing motion, energy, structure and the intersection of matter. These include the unseen forces of gravity, electric and magnetic forces. Physics examines these laws and their influences on society and the world. Why study Physics? Physics helps you understand the world around you. Georgia State Perimeter College physics classes teach you how the laws of physics answer practical questions: What causes you to lose control of your car on a wet road? How does air pressure affect the bounce of a basketball? How do microwaves cook food? Why are the peanuts always near the bottom of the Cracker Jack box? Physicists use testing and research to develop technology and improvements for society, including alternate energy options, medical equipment such as the MRI and high-resolution telescopes such as the Hubble. At Perimeter College, you can take Physics courses on all five campuses. All Physics lecture courses (not laboratory courses) required for the Physics Pathway also are offered online. 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.

Physics is the cornerstone of understanding how things work at the most fundamental level. In the Physics, M.S. program at Georgia State University, students delve into the building blocks and mechanics of our reality, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. Physics majors learn how to apply these fundamental principles to a wide array of phenomena and processes. Enrolling in our physics program means not just learning about the universe but also developing crucial skills such as critical and analytical thinking, advanced problem-solving and proficiency in mathematical and computational tools. These skills are indispensable in both scientific research and real-world applications. Students pursuing a master's degree in physics can enroll in the standard program, a concentration in astronomy, or a non-thesis option.