Degrees & Majors
Georgia State’s online programs are designed and taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus. Choose from dozens of degrees and certificates that will propel your career forward.
The information shared here is intended to provide an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more please refer to the university catalogs.
Programs labeled offer all classes required to meet the degree requirements online. Note: Some programs may have in-person orientation and/or skills testing requirements.
Programs labeled as hybrid offer 50% or more of required courses online. The amount of in-person class or meeting times vary among the programs using this modality.
Philosophy
What Is Philosophy?
Philosophy is the study of ideas, such as those about knowledge, truth and the meaning of life. It encourages students to challenge, defend and develop a tolerance for ideas.
Why Study Philosophy?
Studying philosophy at Georgia State enhances problem-solving capacities, persuasive powers and the ability to understand and express ideas. The study of philosophy provides a valuable preparation for students planning to pursue professional careers such as law, medicine and theology.
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.
Policy Analytics Graduate Certificate
Public Management and Policy
Georgia State's Online Graduate Certificate in Policy Analytics provides students with state-of-the-art data analytics skills applied specifically to questions and issues in the public and nonprofit sectors. Policy analytics examines large, structured and unstructured data for insights, prediction, and evaluation of individual and organizational behavior, spatial forms, public and nonprofit programs.
Students who pursue a certificate in Public Analytics benefit in several ways:
- Enhanced Analytical Skills: Specialized training in techniques and tools for decision-making in the public sector. The ability to effectively collect, interpret, and analyze data to derive valuable insights is highly sought after in today's data-driven world.
- Competitive Advantage: Demonstration of professional development and commitment to contemporary methodologies. Employers value candidates with confidence in using data and evidence to drive decision-making.
- Career Opportunities: Roles such as data analyst, policy analyst, program evaluator, or strategic planner. Public analytics is a rapidly growing field with a wide range of career opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions.
- Professional Networking: Valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and access to job openings. Building a strong professional network enhances career prospects and provides ongoing support for personal and professional growth.
Political Science B.A. Degree Completion Program
Political Science
Political science is the study of “who gets what, when, and how” in the distribution of goods and values in society and in groups.
Political scientists examine the forces that drive such decisions, including political parties and voters, public opinion, interest groups, bureaucracies and administrative behavior, public law, international relations, international law and organizations, national security, intergovernmental relations, political behavior, political philosophy, comparative politics, public policy and conflict.
Georgia State University’s online bachelor’s degree completion program in political science offers two options: the general program in political science and a concentration in pre-law. These programs allow you to learn about American politics and government, comparative politics, international politics and political theory, all while preparing you for success in graduate school, law school and beyond. Please note that the international affairs concentration is not currently available as a fully online program.
The online degree program emphasizes:
- Active Learning
Political science classes allow students to practice a wide variety of skills through debates, simulations and other active learning activities. - Career Competencies
Students will develop skills with direct relevance to success in law school, graduate school and the workplace. Written assignments develop problem-solving skills as well as analytical skills, with a focus on research, data analysis, and critical thinking. Online group projects enhance verbal and written communication skills and sharpen students’ ability to work in teams. Over the course of the program, students identify and evaluate effective leadership, and build a strong work ethic. In many courses, students will document these competencies through archiving textual and video evidence in e-portfolios. - Connections
Online students will have opportunities for community building through connections to groups and activities designed for Georgia State political science students.
Political Science
What Is Political Science?
Political Science is a study of human behavior that examines data and political systems, institutions and behaviors. It encompasses multiple perspectives and uses a mixture of methods. Aristotle believed the study of politics was essential to achieving a stable and orderly society. The study of political science helps build a society that develops, advances and improves our lives.
Why Study Political Science?
The Political Science guided pathway at Perimeter College leads to an associate of arts degree and provides the first two years of division requirements for a bachelor’s degree in political science.
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.
Political Science, M.A. - Concentration in Political Science for Educators
Political Science
For elementary, middle and high school social studies teachers who want a deeper dive into political science, the Georgia State online master of arts degree in political science provides insights to put to use in your classroom right away and the flexibility of graduate work that fits into your schedule. Our schedule offers most classes in a seven-week minimester format, allowing you to finish in 15 months, with a majority of the work taking place over two summers.
This online political science for educators M.A. concentration features courses designed and taught by faculty in the Department of Political Science and are intended for teachers who want to dive into the most recent leading-edge research in political science. All courses are taught by full-time faculty and emphasize interaction among students and professors.
A unique perspective:
- Our program gives educators the tools to engage their students in evidence-based conversations about democracy, citizenship and public policy.
- This program is geared towards current teachers who want to advance in their profession rather than to pursue a doctorate.
- After completing the degree, current Georgia teachers working in districts using the traditional pay scale may be eligible to upgrade their certification status and receive a raise (see the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for more details).
- The degree also may help lead to an Advanced Professional Certificate. Teachers from other states also may be eligible for an upgrade after completing the degree and should check the professional standards in their home state.
Political Science, M.A. - Concentration in Professional Politics
Political Science
Your drive and ambition will mix with our expertise in political science and public service. Together, we’ll prepare you for a career in politics or the public sector with this unique online political science master’s degree in professional politics.
Learn with experts: Studying with the Georgia State University Political Science Department means you’ll learn alongside lobbyists, campaign managers, communication specialists, information technologists and elected representatives at various levels. Our students and faculty are active in the industry and you’ll often hear our faculty as expert sources on issues facing international, national, state and local governments.
Online classes with your schedule in mind: Our schedule, which offers most classes in a seven-week minimester format, typically allows you focus on just one or two topics at a time before moving on to the next class. Finish your online master of arts degree in political science in just 15 months while you work full time and put to use the concepts discussed each week in class.
All courses are taught by full-time faculty and emphasize interaction among students and professors.
This concentration is offered as a terminal degree with a non-thesis option. Many of our students have successful consulting projects with organizations that affiliate with the Georgia Municipal Association among other groups throughout the state.
Psychology B.A. or B.S. Degree Completion Program
Psychology
With Georgia State's online psychology bachelor's degree program, students will be able to learn about psychology in clinical, industrial, community, and other social settings as well as develop strong research skills in social science.
The online psychology degree program offers students the option of completing either the Bachelor of Arts degree or the Bachelor of Science degree. The B.A. and B.S. options both provide students with the opportunity to learn about psychology theories and research methods. The B.A. and B.S. degrees provide students with the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests and career objectives.
- The B.S. degree requires courses in science and math, and many students in this pathway plan to pursue clinical applications or graduate study.
- The B.A. degree requires students to complete courses in the social sciences such as economics, political science, or gerontology, among other topics, to provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to psychology.
Students who earn a bachelor's degree in psychology are often well prepared to pursue graduate studies in a variety of fields, including social work, sociology, anthropology, biology, or criminal justice. There are many versatile skills that can be gained from a degree in psychology, such as learning, thinking, and communicating, which may be applied to a variety of careers and graduate studies.
No. 6 ranked online undergraduate
psychology program in the country*
*U.S.News & World Report
Psychology
What Is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Rooted in science and philosophy, it examines a variety of topics, including individual and interpersonal behavior, thinking, problem-solving, motivations and emotions.
Why Study Psychology?
Psychology can increase understanding of oneself and others in a variety of contexts and has many applications to people’s daily lives. Much of life entails developing and maintaining relationships, whether with coworkers, managers, customers, patients, students, teachers, parents, partners, spouses or children. Psychology provides a foundation for students to understand themselves and people’s interactions with them.
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.
Public Health Graduate Certificate
School of Public Health
Georgia State's Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health is a 16-credit hour program of study. The content is nearly the same as the core courses taught in the Master of Public Health degree program.
The graduate certificate program is offered in flexible formats that are convenient for busy professionals: online, in-person or a mix of both.
You’ll gain the foundational knowledge to maintain, upgrade or advance your public health knowledge and skills or further your career. The program is specifically designed for students working in public health or professionals coming from a variety of backgrounds, including physicians, nurses, health educators, clinical research professionals, policy experts and more.
Note that applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission.
Tuition
- $450 tuition per credit hour (same for all students, regardless of geographic location)
- $660 per semester online learning fee (if enrolled in 6 or more credit hours)
Learn more about the cost of an online graduate certificate, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.
Public Management and Leadership Graduate Certificate
Public Management and Policy
Georgia State's Online Graduate Certificate in Public Management and Leadership provides basic preparation for students seeking a role as a leader at a government agency or a nonprofit organization.
Students who pursue a certificate in Public Management and Leadership benefit in several ways:
- Enhanced Management and Leadership Skills: Specialized training in management and leadership principles specifically tailored for the public sector. The knowledge and skills necessary to lead teams effectively, manage resources, make strategic decisions, and navigate complex organizational challenges.
- Competitive Advantage: Demonstration of professional development and commitment to contemporary methodologies. Employers value candidates with a strong foundation in leadership and management practices.
- Career Advancement: Certification can serve as a catalyst for career advancement within the public sector. Students become better equipped to tackle complex challenges and drive organizational change.
- Understanding of Public Sector Dynamics: Insights into the political, social, and economic contexts in which public organizations operate enabling students to navigate the intricacies of public policy, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and public service delivery.
- Professional Networking: Valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and access to job openings. Building a strong professional network enhances career prospects and provides ongoing support for personal and professional growth.
- Effective Public Service Delivery: Crucial skills for ensuring the effective delivery of public services. Students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to improve organizational performance, implement innovative strategies, and enhance public services.