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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.
History, B.A.
Historians study various aspects of humanity’s recorded past. Some historians explore the rise and fall of empires, while others describe the everyday lives of men and women. They are interested in every period of the past and all parts of the world. Historians seek to understand the forces that have structured human life and the ideas that have shaped the way people perceive and experience their worlds. History can teach us many lessons, not simply about our past but also about the paradoxes and potentials of our present. At Georgia State, students seeking a bachelor’s degree in History can choose from several options: Bachelor of Arts in History — The broadest option. World History Concentration — An in-depth look at world history and culture Pre-Education Track — This track prepares aspiring teachers to enter any master’s-level certification program. Pre-Law Concentration — This option prepares students for law school or J.D.-Ph.D. programs. The Department of History offers a wide range of courses in African, Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern and United States history.
History, B.A./M.A.
History, B.A./M.A.
The Georgia State University Department of History offers a B.A./M.A. program that allows students to save time and tuition money by earning both degrees in as little as five years. This dual degree opportunity enables qualified students to enroll in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program and apply the coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s programs. Historians study various aspects of humanity’s recorded past. Some explore the rise and fall of empires, while others describe the everyday lives of men and women. They are interested in every period of the past and all parts of the world. Historians seek to understand the forces that have structured human life and the ideas that have shaped the way people perceive and experience their worlds. History can teach us many lessons, not simply about our past but also about the paradoxes and potentials of our present. At the bachelor’s degree level, History students can choose from several options: Bachelor of Arts in History — The broadest option. World History Concentration — An in-depth look at world history and culture Pre-Education Track — This track prepares aspiring teachers to enter any master’s-level certification program. Pre-Law Concentration — This option prepares students for law school or J.D.-Ph.D. programs. The M.A. in History at Georgia State prepares students for a wide range of careers, both inside and outside the academy. Students develop deep expertise in the historical literature of their chosen field of study, learn to employ a diverse array of theories and methodologies, including cutting-edge digital technologies for researching and disseminating scholarship and master the communication skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market. Cohorts of 10-12 master’s level students begin each fall semester and students receive individual attention and work together through the year.
History, B.A./Master of Heritage Preservation
History, B.A./Master of Heritage Preservation
The Georgia State University Department of History offers a B.A. in History/Master of Heritage Preservation (M.H.P.) program that allows students to save time and tuition dollars by earning both degrees in as little as five years. This dual degree opportunity enables qualified students to enroll in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program and apply the coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s programs. At the bachelor’s degree level, History students can choose from several options: Bachelor of Arts in History — The broadest option. World History Concentration — An in-depth look at world history and culture Pre-Education Track — This track prepares aspiring teachers to enter any master’s-level certification program. Pre-Law Concentration — This option prepares students for law school or J.D.-Ph.D. programs. At the graduate school level, the M.H.P. program offers compelling opportunities to pursue careers relating to the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage. The program and its faculty emphasize the theory and practice of protecting and communicating the significance of our tangible and intangible heritage. Much of the coursework involves collaboration with community partners and cultural organizations to produce practical learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. Thanks to our location in Atlanta, class projects prioritize city and regional histories by engaging with local communities to assess, preserve and interpret the tangible and intangible heritage of the South. Collaboration with community partners and cultural organizations throughout the southeastern region provide M.H.P. students with both practical learning experiences that take place outside the traditional classroom setting and professional interactions that position them to be future leaders in the field. The M.H.P. program attracts students with a variety of backgrounds and interests, creating an eclectic and energetic academic setting. Our students use their heritage preservation educations to teach, advocate, restore, interpret and plan for the preservation of historic resources and interpretations of history to a public audience. Students can specialize in either public history or historic preservation.
History, M.A.
College of Arts & Sciences
The M.A. in History at Georgia State prepares students for a wide range of careers, both inside and outside the academy. Students develop deep expertise in the historical literature of their chosen field of study, learn to employ a diverse array of theories and methodologies including cutting-edge digital technologies for researching and disseminating scholarship and master the skills of communication necessary to thrive in today’s job market. Cohorts of 10-12 students begin each fall semester and students receive individual attention and work together through the year. We also offer a dual B.A./M.A. program that enables promising undergraduate students to take graduate courses and complete the M.A. program more quickly (typically one year in addition to the student’s B.A. coursework).
History, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Sciences
The Ph.D. in History at Georgia State prepares students for a wide range of careers, both inside and outside the academy. Students develop deep expertise in the historical literature of their chosen field of study, learn to employ a diverse array of theories and methodologies including cutting-edge digital technologies for researching and disseminating historical scholarship and master the skills of communication necessary to thrive in today’s job market. Cohorts of 10-12 students begin each fall semester and students receive individual attention and work together through the year.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management, A.S.
Perimeter College
What is Homeland Security and Emergency Management? The fields of homeland security and emergency management employ a wide variety of security and safety professionals, as well as those trained in coordinating, managing, and delivering resources in the wake of hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorist attacks and other tragedies. Why Study Homeland Security and Emergency Management at Georgia State University? The safety and security of the United States and its citizens have received increased attention in recent years because of increased terroristic threats and attacks. Homeland security and emergency management occupations can be found in many governmental services and agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Coast Guard, the Transportation and Safety Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Positions range from police officers and firefighters to airport security officials, telecommunications specialists and editorial assistants. In Georgia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Port of Savannah, private corporations, along with natural disasters, are just a couple of the entities and events in which homeland security and emergency management needs arise. 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.
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 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.
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.
College of Education & Human Development
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
Interior Design, B.F.A.
The Georgia State B.F.A. in Interior Design program prepares students for successful careers in the rapidly growing and changing field of interior design. It strives to reflect the values of contemporary interior design practice as it prepares graduates for careers as licensed professional interior designers who are adept at providing provocative aesthetic solutions to client needs while managing program, schedules and budgets. The Interior Design program is highly competitive and requires the submission of a portfolio for admission into the concentration. Following a year of required fine arts foundations coursework, Interior Design applicants take three introductory classes in the fall of their sophomore year to qualify to submit B.F.A. application portfolios for admission into the concentration. The initial 3000-level courses: are open to potential Interior Design majors who have completed the first-year Art & Design foundations course sequence; introduce varied practical aspects of contemporary interior design practice; introduce critical analysis and evaluation methods applied to current and historical architecture and interior spaces; and introduce basic architectural drawing (drafting) and communication skills required of successful Interior Design majors.
Interior Design, M.F.A.
The curriculum of the Georgia State Interior Design program ensures comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various approaches to media, conceptual development, content, visual representation and a variety of teaching styles exhibited by our faculty. The program is highly individualized, and ideal candidates will have already completed an undergraduate degree in interior design or a related field, ideally followed by some professional experience on which the graduate student reflects during their time in the program. Students are encouraged to pursue new forms of expanded interiors practice and research while building on traditional design practice competencies. While students work in the interior design and graphic design combined seminar for a majority of their studio credit hours, they are highly encouraged to move within other studio areas within the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design that align with an expanded understanding of contemporary interiors practice, including 3D studies (sculpture, ceramics, and textiles), drawing, painting and printmaking, and photography, to name a few. Opportunities: A significant component of the Interior Design graduate program revolves around the students’ 10-hour per week paid assistantships, either as graduate research assistants (GRA) assigned to specific faculty research initiatives, as studio lab assistants (GLA) working in essential support areas of the school (e.g., CAD labs, 3D maker spaces, materials resource labs) or teaching undergraduate-level courses as graduate teaching assistants (GTA). Following year-one requisite preparation in instruction, year-two and three GTAs are encouraged to teach a range of undergraduate courses related to their degree. Possible courses include Introduction to Studio, 3D Design, Drafting, and select courses in our CAD sequence. Actual course teaching opportunities will vary depending on departmental needs and specific language and skillsets unique to each GTA. These experiences, in conjunction with the acquisition of professional skills in evidence-based research, prepare the student with the tools to be a professional practitioner or educator once their studies are complete. Beyond assistantship responsibilities, M.F.A. candidates in Interior Design are encouraged to pursue professional internships with one of the numerous interior design firms in Atlanta. Notably, 9 of the top 10 firms listed in Interior Design magazine’s 2020 Top 100 Giants have offices in Atlanta, with GSU alumni currently employed at 8 of those top 10 firms, including Gensler, Perkins & Will, HOK, Nelson Worldwide, and Hirsch Bedner Associates. Research Thesis: In addition to the required coursework, M.F.A. candidates must produce a written graduate research thesis with a graphic component. This written document, combined with a specialized design project reflecting the chosen area of research, completes the thesis and is presented in a final M.F.A. thesis exhibition prior to graduation.
International Economics and Modern Languages, B.A.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, College of Arts & Sciences
An undergraduate degree in economics prepares students with the quantitative and qualitative skills to think critically and learn how to make optimal decisions. Students will learn by doing with a curriculum taught by nationally acclaimed economists and faculty. The BA IEML has a qualitative focus with a language component in Spanish, French, German or Chinese Culture and Society.
Communication, Journalism, B.A.
The Georgia State University B.A. in Journalism program offers three concentrations: Multimedia Reporting: Journalists are now sought for their multimedia skills as well as traditional writing and research skills. This program is designed to prepare journalism students to go into modern media workplaces, with a variety of experiential learning options as well as specialized reporting options. Public Relations: This program focuses on preparing students to work in public relations. Public relations professionals are advocates who critically analyze information to create content and campaigns for employers, employees, and clients. Students will learn about techniques and campaigns. Experiential learning is the foundation of the coursework. Media & Society: This program is designed with an academic focus on communication, to prepare students for graduate study. Students can choose from communication courses focusing on a variety of types and areas of communication. Our programs are designed to meet the media industries’ demand for graduates who are critical thinkers who can produce news and publicity materials efficiently across a variety of platforms. Students can get extra support at Georgia State’s Journalism Lab which provides undergraduate journalism students with rough draft reviews, grammar assistance, help with AP style writing and video production assistance. Students can also get practical experience through Georgia State University TV (GSUTV), the university’s partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting. As Georgia State’s media station, GSUTV provides students with training for creating broadcast content and airs special programs throughout Georgia and to a national network of PBS stations via cable, satellite, and digital platforms. GSUTV has won several Emmy and Telly Awards in recent years.
Journalism Pathway, A.A.
What Is Journalism? The academic pathway in Journalism at Georgia State Perimeter College is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information in a variety of ways. Why Study Journalism? Studying journalism allows students to become leaders in the new age of instant communication and connectivity. They can examine and analyze forms of mass media, while opening doors to a spectrum of careers from advertising and broadcasting to public relations and publishing. 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.
K-5 Mathematics Endorsement
The 15-hour online kindergarten through 5th-grade mathematics endorsement program prepares you to hold the Georgia Professional Standards Commission endorsement and may qualify you for salary incentives in your district when available. The courses will develop your pedagogical content knowledge, mindset and instructional capabilities as an effective and equitable elementary mathematics teacher. You will take four courses that focus on elementary mathematics content and pedagogy and one course that serves as a field placement where you will apply in your classroom the concepts covered with supportive feedback. All required courses are completed online. The K-5 mathematics endorsement can be completed as a stand-alone program or embedded in a graduate degree such as an M.Ed., Ed.D. or Ph.D. You must hold a clear, renewable teaching certificate, level 4 or higher in one of the following areas: early childhood education, middle grades – mathematics or special education general curriculum/early childhood education. One year of teaching experience is required.