ALL PROGRAMS | College of Education & Human Development Programs
graduating students

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 36 semester hours

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Timeline View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: June 15
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: April 15

English Education, M.A.T.

The Georgia State University English education program is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree and seek an initial teaching certification in secondary English (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 the state of Georgia.

English educators are responsible for constructing learning environments that support students’ development in reading literature, writing for multiple audiences, expressing ideas and opinions in speech and interpersonal communication and exploring the potential of the arts in language arts.

The secondary English 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 for middle and high school levels. Our dynamic program features technology integration and offers study abroad opportunities. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.

This program will transform your passion into a professional career, providing an initial certification for teaching English language arts for 6th-12th grades.

Program Highlights

Testimonials

“Classroom management was the most important skill I learned as a student teacher. Students act in unexpected ways, so my practicum allowed me to see how teachers respond to unexpected behavior.” -Esther, program graduate

“One of the best aspects of the M.A.T. program was that it provided a full scope of courses not solely focused on education. For example, I had to study research methods and teaching exceptional children.” -Lesleigh, program graduate

“My administrator told me I’ve avoided a lot of the pitfalls most first year teachers experience. I attribute this to Georgia State teaching me how to adapt and providing me with a variety of teaching strategies.” -Adolfo, program graduate

English graduates

English graduates from Middle and Secondary Education

Program Details

Admissions Requirements

When applying to the English Education, M.A.T. program, you will need to submit several documents for review.

  • Online Application
  • Application Fee of $50
  • Goals Statement (upload with the application)
  • Resume (upload with the application)
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (identify your recommenders on the application)
  • Official Transcript: minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA required for admission
    • 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
  • To meet certification requirements in Georgia, you will also need to complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment prior to program admission. Visit the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment or information and how to register for the assessment.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in English Education provides initial teacher preparation for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees in English. This degree is 36 credit hours and can be completed in four to five semesters.

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships.

Awards and Assistantships

Various awards, assistantships and fellowships are available to new and current graduate students. We encourage you to contact your department, college, school or institute of interest to get more information about the assistantships and fellowships that they offer their students.

The Scholarship Resource Center offers guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, including this scholarship library.

Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Programs’ Fellowship Advisor works with students interested in applying for nationally prestigious and competitive fellowships. The Office of Graduate Programs also coordinates the application process for students applying to the Second Century Initiative, the Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship and the Dissertation Library Travel Awards.

Cost Calculator

Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.

Our program graduates are informed by research, knowledge and reflective practice empowered to serve as change agents committed to and respectful of all learners and engaged with learners, their families, schools and local and global communities.

Field Placement Experience

In the final semesters of the program, students conduct field experiences in the metro Atlanta area where students will see the application of theory and research, test ideas and practice strategies that they have learned throughout the program of study. Each student works closely with a mentor teacher at the practicum school and is supervised by faculty from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.

Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements

All students must meet Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements to be eligible for certification:

  1. GaPSC Preservice Certificate (Entry)
  2. Georgia Educator Ethics Assessments (Entry and Exit)
  3. GACE Content Assessment(s) (Exit)

Program of Study

View the English Education, M.A.T. Program of Study

Description

Careers

Successful program graduates will be well prepared to work in public, charter and private schools and school systems in the metro-Atlanta area and beyond.

Graduate placements include:

  • Atlanta City Schools
  • Cobb County School District
  • Decatur City Schools
  • DeKalb County School District
  • Fulton County Schools
  • Schools in California, New York, Arizona and Ohio
  • International schools

Contacts

Program Coordinator
Michelle Zoss
[email protected]
404-413-8415

Middle and Secondary Education
[email protected]
404-413-8060

Mailing Address & Office Location
College of Education & Human Development, 6th Floor
30 Pryor St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

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

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.