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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.
Sculpture, B.F.A.
The Sculpture emphasis fosters thoughtful integration of concept and media. Students explore diverse interests while acquiring skills in woodworking, metal fabrication, casting and digital technologies. The program offers a full range of courses in traditional media and contemporary methodologies and encourages innovation and experimentation in performance, installation and other sculptural media. The B.F.A. in Studio with an emphasis in sculpture readies students for graduate work and other creative professional opportunities.
Students benefit from the initiatives of the Edgewood Sculpture Forum, the chartered student sculpture group. The Edgewood Sculpture Forum brings visiting artists to the school for lectures and workshops, conducts the annual Holiday Iron Pour, organizes exhibitions of student work in the Atlanta community and procures funding for travel to conferences.
Sculpture, M.F.A.
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Sculpture program emphasizes professional skills and achievements and fosters personal direction, diversity, technical proficiency and professional presentation. The Sculpture program offers a highly progressive curriculum that considers Sculpture as a broad-based, interdisciplinary practice while fostering technical mastery of the material. The individual direction of each student is further developed and focused through intensive time in the studio, group interaction across disciplines and periodic critical reviews. Sensitive handling of material and depth of inquiry are the unifying characteristics of work made in the Sculpture M.F.A. program.
The program emphasizes group seminars and critiques to provide a variety of settings for the development and exchange of ideas relevant to the arts in general and sculpture in particular. In the final two semesters of the graduate program, the student completes a thesis exhibition and writes a supporting thesis paper.
A strong component of the graduate program involves assistantships in either studio work or in teaching undergraduate-level courses. Students may teach a variety of courses during their studies, from Foundations to Introductory Sculpture. These experiences in conjunction with the acquisition of professional skills such as resume writing, job application skills and self-promotion prepare the student with the tools to be a professional artist once studies are complete.
Sign Language Interpreting, Undergraduate Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
The Sign Language Interpreting undergraduate post-baccalaureate certificate prepares students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to enter the field of American Sign Language/English interpretation. Students develop confidence in American Sign Language and English, proficiency in linguistic and cultural analysis, and the interpersonal skills needed to develop a relevant and sound professional practice. Interpreters work within a variety of venues and settings, including kindergarten through grade 12 and post-secondary educational settings, video relay service, community events, medical and mental health settings, and performance and theatrical interpreting. This certificate program is for students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
Social Entrepreneurship, B.I.S.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
The B.I.S. in Social Entrepreneurship prepares students to become agents and leaders of social change who will transform communities through innovative startups and existing social enterprises. The program was created not only to tackle the most complex problems, but to help students become better employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Students in the program are involved in co-curricular activities and internships that will give them experience working in and interacting with social enterprises, gaining practical knowledge of the field and exposure to the diverse employment opportunities within the discipline. Students will leave this program with the business formation knowledge needed to start a social enterprise at any point in their career.
Social Foundations of Education, M.S.
College of Education & Human Development
Social Foundations of Education is an interdisciplinary master’s program that examines the historical and contemporary factors that shape educational inequity and injustice in our society. Course topics engage students in discourse about the influence race, class, disability and gender have on education and school systems.
Students are prepared to:
- Develop critical perspectives on education, inside and outside school.
- Evaluate the complex interrelationships among school, society, education and culture.
- Incorporate a number of disciplines, including history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, political science and cultural studies.
- M.S. students in Social Foundations work closely with their advisors to craft a program of study that is individualized according to student interests. Customizing student coursework allows students to take courses in the university’s other colleges and schools (for example, Arts and Sciences, Public Policy, Public Health and so on).
Some of the courses are online
Social Justice Certificate
Increasing inequality, political polarization and the value of diversity in growing numbers of organizations have increased demand for Social Justice professionals in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profit institutions, grassroots activist collectives and corporate departments whose work involves subjects like multiculturalism, community outreach and equity.
To provide the skills necessary for such work, the Department of Sociology offers a multi-disciplinary Certificate in Social Justice. This certificate provides specialized curricula to strengthen the candidacy of graduates for post-graduate professional activities concerned with social justice, provides opportunities to apply course material via experience-based learning activities and forms a comprehensive and interdisciplinary field of social justice from relevant courses in various university departments.
Social Studies Education, M.A.T.
The 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, Geography, Political Science and Economics content areas.
Social Studies Education, M.Ed.
If you want to reinvigorate your passion for working with youth while deepening your knowledge of social studies, the Social Studies M.Ed. may be right for you. You must be certified in Secondary Social Studies education (grades 6-12).
You can also use the master’s degree in social studies education to pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in the future.
Social Work – Advanced Standing, M.S.W.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
The Master of Social Work program strives to prepare students for social work leadership roles in the effort to solve, in partnerships with others, the existing and developing challenges that confront communities in the United States and internationally. Community partnerships, based on a generalist practice model, is the sole focus of the M.S.W. program. Students in the Community Partnerships specialization are educated to advance the needs and capacities of the total community by promoting social and economic justice and maximizing human potential. They are educated to commit themselves to addressing the life circumstances, such as poverty, violence, discrimination, and disparities in social and economic justice that fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups and challenge the spirit of the entire community. This unique focus provides students with the opportunity to learn about social issues facing urban communities through a social and economic justice framework. Our graduates have become leaders in various service delivery sectors including health care, public child welfare services, non profit management, and numerous other contexts.
To accomplish the mission of the M.S.W. program, the School of Social Work has set forth these goals: (1) students will be able to think critically and communicate effectively in the application of social work knowledge, skills, and values to community partnerships practice; and (2) students will be able to engage as social work leaders to build and strengthen communities.
Social Work Pathway, A.S.
Perimeter College
What Is Social Work?
Social workers are trained professionals responsible for helping people with personal and social challenges affecting their lives. Social workers help clients with disabilities, health crises and family conflicts, delinquency, substance abuse, unemployment and others. At the advanced level, students become familiar with community partnerships and resource development. Social work is a field for those with a passion for social justice, an interest in social policy and a love of working with people from all walks of life.
Why Study Social Work?
Studying social work strengthens students’ ability to think critically about the world around them, to better understand the role of social structure in our lives and to learn to put theory into practice. Students will take coursework in research methods, social theory, communications and social welfare policy.
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.
Social Work, B.S.W.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Social workers fight for social justice, help children and families, improve connections in communities and improve lives. It’s a noble profession and it can lead to a rewarding career for you. Jobs are numerous, including roles in hospitals, community health centers, schools, homeless shelters, nursing homes and nonprofit organizations. The bachelor of social work will prepare you for entry level work with these types of employers and also will make you ready to enter a master of social work program in the future.
Our curriculum is focused on nine competencies that are connected to our accreditation and licensure rules in Georgia.
- You will have a foundation for understanding human behavior in a variety of different contexts and social settings.
- You will practice methods for intervention with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations, and systems.
- The curriculum is designed to develop your skill in:
- critical thinking and ethics
- intervention approaches with diverse populations
- understanding of human functioning and the social environment
- practice evaluation and research.
Getting started: You can apply to the BSW program for admission after you completed your lower division classes, which typically takes two years. You can start at Georgia State as an “Exploratory Social Work” status student while you gather the necessary credits and then apply to be a BSW student the spring before your junior year.
Your success matters: You will work with the undergraduate advisement center throughout your time at Georgia State to make sure you are enrolling in the correct courses.
Georgia State Baccalaureate Social Work Program Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes.
Social Work, M.S.W.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program strives to prepare students for social work leadership roles in the effort to solve, in partnerships with others, the existing and developing challenges that confront communities in the United States and internationally. Community partnerships, based on a generalist practice model, is the sole focus of the M.S.W. program. Students in the Community Partnerships specialization are educated to advance the needs and capacities of the total community by promoting social and economic justice and maximizing human potential. They are educated to commit themselves to addressing the life circumstances, such as poverty, violence, discrimination and disparities in social and economic justice that fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups and challenge the spirit of the entire community. This unique focus provides students with the opportunity to learn about social issues facing urban communities through a social and economic justice framework. Our graduates have become leaders in various service delivery sectors, including health care, public child welfare services, non profit management and numerous other contexts.
Georgia State Master’s Social Work Program Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Sociology Pathway, A.A.
Perimeter College
What Is Sociology?
Sociology, one of the youngest of the social sciences, is the study of social interaction, social change and the social causes and consequences of group behavior. The range of topics explored by sociologists is broad, including social stratification and inequality, race relations, gender and sexuality, marriage and family, crime and violence, economics and politics, and religion.
Why Study Sociology?
Students studying sociology explore fascinating and controversial topics such as crime, deviance, social inequity, gender roles, family life, racism and prejudice, globalization, work and occupations. Understanding what drives human interactions gives students a new perspective on their place in society. By studying social relationships and exploring controversial topics, students will have a greater understanding of the forces that drive social behaviors and have the opportunity to make a positive impact on society. Sociologists often examine and address issues related to:
- Domestic Violence
- Poverty
- Homelessness
- Government Assistance Programs
- Refugees
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.
Sociology, B.A.
Sociology is the study of society, including identities, cultures, and institutions, and particularly the power dynamics that animate societal structures and social interactions.
Sociology uses data and theory to analyze the causes, processes, and consequences of social ideologies, social behaviors, institutional discourses, and institutional practices. Undergraduate students in our courses critically explore topics like race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, urbanization, health, illness, wealth, deviance, social problems, inequality and activism.
Specialty Areas:
- Health & Life Course
- Gerontology
- Gender & Sexuality
- Race & Urban
Sociology, Dual B.A./M.A.
Sociology, Dual B.A./M.A.
College of Arts & Sciences
The B.A. /M.A. Program is appropriate for qualified Georgia State University undergraduate students who have completed two years as a Sociology major with a GPA of 3.5. Students may pursue a dual Bachelor of Arts in sociology and either a Master of Arts in Sociology or Master of Arts in Gerontology.
Dual undergraduate/graduate programs enable admitted undergraduate students to begin taking specified graduate courses during their senior year (or earlier in some cases) and count the coursework toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students in dual programs are enrolled in each degree program either concurrently or in close succession. Dual degrees may, therefore, be awarded at the same time, or one degree may be awarded prior to the second.
Sociology, Joint M.A./Ph.D.
College of Arts & Sciences
The Joint Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree program in sociology is designed for students who are entering graduate studies with a B.A. degree and for students with graduate degrees in non-social science fields.
The program provides students with both a broad exposure to the discipline of sociology as well as in-depth study in special areas of expertise.
The broad knowledge of sociology comes through coursework in a variety of substantive areas, as well as through training in research methodology, statistics and theory. Most of the faculty’s interest and expertise lie in six specialty areas:
- Gender
- Health
- Life Course
- Race and Ethnic Relations
- Sexualities
- Urban Studies
The Sociology Department is located in the heart of Atlanta, within walking distance of the State Capitol and City Hall, and close to other major political, economic and cultural centers. This connection with a large, vibrant urban community provides an ideal learning environment for students.