Degrees & Majors
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.
Drawing and Painting, M.F.A.
The Georgia State Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Drawing and Painting program supports artists who explore unique approaches to the creative endeavor and who transcend boundaries. We are interested in applicants searching for new insights into our culture and time. The faculty encourages innovative and original ideas.
The curriculum of the Drawing and Painting program ensures a comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various approaches to media, content, imagery and teaching styles of our faculty. Students are encouraged to explore the traditions of printmaking as well as drawing and painting, and to work in pursuit of new forms and with contemporary issues. While students work in the drawing, painting and printmaking combined seminar for a majority of their studio credit hours, they are highly encouraged to move among media in the discipline, as well as with other studio areas in the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design.
Film/Media Production, B.A./M.A. Dual Degree
Film/Media Production, B.A./M.A. Dual Degree
The Georgia State University School of Film, Media, & Theater offers a professionalized dual-degree program for current Georgia State bachelor of arts (B.A.) Film students aspiring for advanced honors-level and master of arts (M.A.) thesis production or thesis research. This program is designed to take five years (including a student's freshman and sophomore years), at the end of which, a student will receive both a bachelor of arts degree in film and media and a master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in film, media and digital imaging. The dual-degree program is ideal for enrolled undergraduate students who are sophomores or juniors and want to use their senior year as a segue into graduate work. The senior year would involve advanced coursework that one would usually take in the first year of the M.A. program. The first (and only) year of the M.A. program would involve only advanced coursework and the thesis film.
Graphic Design, M.F.A.
The Georgia State University Design M.F.A. program is for focused, motivated, experienced designers who want to introduce a multidisciplinary perspective to their work by collaborating with graphic designers, interior designers, fine artists, art historians and those from other related disciplines. Based on these experiences, graduate students in design will push their work into compelling and groundbreaking conceptual and visual directions in communication. Graduate students will take pedagogy coursework, shadow other instructors and are expected to teach entry-level design courses or work in a professional capacity for the university.
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.
Master of Music (M.Mu.), Concentration in Conducting (Low-Residency)
The Master of Music concentration in Conducting (Low-Residency) at Georgia State offers conductors who are already working in the field the opportunity to advance their education and training during the summer. Students must hold a Bachelors in Music degree and have regular access to leading a large ensemble. This degree is offered in a fully online format during the academic year (fall and spring) with an in-person format for the Summer I Session (June). Applicants may apply for fall, spring, or summer admission.
For guidance and feedback, students take the respective conducting course (Choral Conducting or Instrumental Conducting) online in either the fall or spring semester of the program. During the summer, students participate in a six-credit hour conducting seminar that overlaps with the Atlanta Summer Conducting Institute (as auditors only). One additional elective course is also available each summer to round out the needed degree credits.
Master of Music, Concentration in Choral Conducting, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Master of Music with a concentration in Choral Conducting program offers exceptional training to talented musicians wishing to study choral art at an advanced level. Intensive study with our faculty and regular performance experience is the foundation for developing highly qualified, professional conductors. Students in the program regularly conduct the Master Singers, an auditioned chamber choir of 20 to 30 voices in rehearsal and performance and assist with the other four choral ensembles (Treble Choir, Tenor-Bass Choir, University Singers and Choral Union).
Master of Music, Concentration in Composition, M. Mu.
The Georgia State University Composition Concentration offers aspiring composers a comprehensive and immersive experience. The curriculum is designed to develop students' artistic expression and compositional skills across various musical genres and styles. Through individualized instruction, students work closely with experienced faculty, honing their composition techniques and exploring their unique creative voices.
The program emphasizes traditional and contemporary composition approaches, fostering a well-rounded understanding of music theory, orchestration and electronic music. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including cutting-edge recording studios and composition software, allowing them to bring their musical ideas to life with professional-level production quality.
The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university.
The graduate programs in the School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. The school enrolls about 90 students in Master of Music degree programs, Artist Certificate programs, and Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in music education.
Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.
Master of Music, Concentration in Guitar Performance, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Master of Music with a concentration in guitar performance provides advanced preparation for a career as a concert performer, as both soloist and chamber musician and as a teacher of guitar. Georgia State’s location in the heart of Atlanta, a cultural gem of the South, allows Master of Music guitar students to take advantage of numerous performing and teaching opportunities on and off campus. Completion of the degree normally necessitates four semesters of full-time study and requires a one-hour solo recital as well as a one-hour chamber recital.
The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university.
The graduate programs in the School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. The school enrolls about 90 students in Master of Music degree programs, Artist Certificate programs, and Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in music education.
Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.
Master of Music, Concentration in Jazz Studies, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Jazz Studies concentration offers a comprehensive approach to developing competence in jazz performance, improvisation and knowledge of jazz history. It also equips students with professional skills in establishing and maintaining high school or college-level jazz programs while nurturing their creative talents in jazz arranging and composing.
The program provides valuable opportunities for students to engage in quality jazz organizations, including large jazz bands and jazz combos. Furthermore, students will enhance their playing by participating in academic jazz courses such as jazz improvisation, jazz arranging and jazz pedagogy, among others. This integrated approach ensures a well-rounded jazz education and fosters both practical and academic growth in the field.
We offer jazz studies degrees in the following areas:
- Instrumental
- Voice
- Piano
Master of Music, Concentration in Music Education, M.Mu.
The online Master of Music in Music Education at Georgia State’s College of the Arts is designed for music teachers aiming to advance their knowledge and skills in music education. This fully online program blends advanced studies in music with pedagogical techniques tailored for both current and aspiring music educators. This program focuses on enhancing teaching effectiveness in school music programs. It covers:
- Pedagogical strategies in music education.
- Curriculum development for diverse educational settings.
- Incorporation of technology in music education.
- Research in music education to inform teaching practices.
The Master of Music program in Music Education prepares you to:
- Enhance your instructional skills and strategies to foster musical understanding and appreciation in students.
- Conduct and apply research to improve music education practices.
- Utilize technology effectively in music education settings.
- Lead and inspire in a variety of educational contexts, ensuring the highest standards of musical education.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural and philosophical contexts of music education.
Master of Music, Concentration in Orchestral Conducting, M.Mu.
The Master of Music with a concentration in Orchestral Conducting program at Georgia State University has a multifaceted approach, focusing on three primary objectives. We aim to develop and enhance students’ conducting skills through podium time with our GSU Symphony and Campus Orchestra in addition to conducting opportunities with local ensembles. Secondly, the program seeks to refine students’ musical, leadership and administrative skills in the context of orchestrating ensembles. Lastly, it prepares students for professional conducting positions and advanced studies in conducting at the doctoral level.
As part of this comprehensive program, students have the opportunity to serve as assistant conductors for the Georgia Philharmonic and learn from professional orchestras in the area: The Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, and Atlanta Baroque Orchestra. Frequently, our students attend rehearsals of the Atlanta Symphony and work with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and Family Concerts in various capacities. We also have a strong relationship with the Metropolitan Symphony Youth Orchestras, where our students frequently serve as coaches. The Georgia State Orchestral Conducting concentration is designed to nurture active orchestral conductors, fostering their potential as professional conductors.
If you are a conductor already working in the field, you may want to consider our Low-Residency Master of Music, Concentration in Conducting.
Master of Music, Concentration in Orchestral Instrument Performance, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Master of Music in Orchestral Instrument Performance program prepares students for rewarding careers as performing musicians or studio instructors. This specialized pathway emphasizes the development of a strong foundation in music reading and performance, nurturing students’ skills and musicianship to excel in their chosen orchestral instrument. Through active participation in bands, choirs, or orchestras, students gain valuable ensemble experience and develop the ability to perform collaboratively with others. They also have opportunities to showcase their talent as soloists and in small group settings. With dedicated private study and guidance from experienced faculty, students refine their technical proficiency, musical interpretation and expressive artistry.
Master of Music, Concentration in Piano Pedagogy, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University Piano Pedagogy concentration is a comprehensive and innovative pathway for cultivating the next generation of piano teachers and educators. This concentration equips students with the competence for effective studio or class teaching of piano across all age levels. The program seamlessly integrates artistic performance, techniques of verbal and musical communication, knowledge of appropriate piano literature and adept use of methods and instructional materials to foster successful teaching. Through hands-on experiences, theoretical exploration and practical teaching opportunities, students gain a profound understanding of nurturing musical talent while instilling a lifelong passion for the piano.
Master of Music, Concentration in Piano Performance, M.Mu.
A concentration in piano performance at Georgia State University caters to individuals aspiring to become professional performers or collaborative pianists. It serves as a pathway for students pursuing graduate studies and also prepares them for careers in teaching, both in academia and private studios. Students benefit from personalized instruction by our exceptional music faculty, enabling them to strive for excellence in performance and develop a strong sense of professionalism.
Master of Music, Concentration in Voice Performance, M.Mu.
The Georgia State University voice performance concentration prepares students for dynamic careers as performing musicians and studio teachers, offering comprehensive training at advanced levels for excellence in opera, oratorio, song recital and advanced vocal instruction. Through rigorous coursework and practical experience, students cultivate a deep understanding of vocal technique, interpretation, stage presence and repertoire, receiving personalized instruction from accomplished faculty for invaluable mentorship and guidance. Focused on honing performance skills, students actively participate in various vocal performances, showcasing their talents and building a versatile repertoire. The emphasis in Voice equips students with the necessary expertise and artistic finesse to pursue fulfilling careers as captivating performers and respected educators in the realm of vocal music.
Master of Music, Concentration in Wind Band Conducting, M.Mu.
The Master of Music program at Georgia State University, with a concentration in Wind Band Conducting, is meticulously crafted to cultivate and elevate students' conducting skills while providing insights into the administrative aspects of directing collegiate wind band programs. Through a comprehensive study of repertoire, students not only develop their musicianship and artistry but also acquire the skills to effectively manage and organize successful performances. This program serves as a robust foundation for those aspiring to pursue doctoral studies in conducting. Prospective students must undergo a conducting audition or submit a videotape as part of the application process.
For educators looking to continue teaching while working toward an advanced degree, we also offer a Master of Music, Concentration in Conducting, M.Mu. (Low Residency) program in a hybrid modality; fully online during the academic year (fall and spring) with in-person sessions during the Summer I Session (June).