Degrees & Majors
Choose from more than 130 majors and minors at the university offering the widest variety of fields of study in Georgia.
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Geosciences, B.S. Geography Concentration
The Geography concentration allows students to acquire the skills needed to study the world from both physical and human perspectives. Students are trained in qualitative and quantitative approaches, techniques to examine issues locally and globally, and the use of the power of maps to effect change. As the Association of American Geographers describes it, human geography examines “spatial aspects of human existence,” while physical geography examines patterns of climates, landforms, vegetation, soils and water. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, B.S. Geology Concentration
The Geology concentration focuses on physical, chemical and biological aspects of the surface and interior of the Earth. This concentration is recommended for students who will later pursue licensure as a professional geologist, which is required for supervisory work in many environmental and other fields. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
This program allows an undergraduate in any major to gain training and certification in Geographic Information Systems. This is a hot field that can add strength to careers in geography, geology, public health, sociology, policy, business, anthropology and other fields. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water (from water governance to water quality and quantity), climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographical information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Certificate in Sustainability
This program offers students an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability as a concept, area of study, social practice, organizational goal and policy objective that concerns the effects and durability of relationships and interactions between social and biophysical systems. This undergraduate certificate is an excellent complement to undergraduates pursuing careers in natural resources or environmental fields. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water (from water governance to water quality and quantity), climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Certificate in Water Sciences
The undergraduate certificate in water sciences is designed to provide students with a knowledge of the quality and quantity of water in the environment and modern techniques to assess, model and remediate aquatic environmental problems, and understand the social context and implications of water resources. This certificate is an excellent complement to undergraduates pursuing careers in natural resources or environmental fields. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water (from water governance to water quality and quantity), climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographical information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Environmental Geosciences, B.S.
The Environmental Geosciences concentration focuses on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the surface of the Earth, with an emphasis on understanding, preventing and mitigating human impacts on the environment. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Urban Studies, B.S.
The Urban Studies concentration is focused on topics across geosciences applicable to the study of urban settings, including social and environmental disparities in cities, issues related to development and economics from urbanization and more. This interdisciplinary concentration situated in Geosciences affords an opportunity for students to learn beyond the department as well as benefit from a multitude of expertise in Geosciences on human-environmental challenges. The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Gerontology, B.I.S.
College of Arts & Sciences
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in Gerontology offers students an opportunity to learn about aging across the life course. Gerontology courses draw from a variety of disciplines to expose students to issues, knowledge and research about aging processes, older people and the complex needs of our rapidly aging society. Faculty members associated with the Gerontology Institute come from business, law, the social and biological sciences, and the health and human service professions. They bring a diverse, interdisciplinary perspective to our instructional programs and are engaged in a wide range of research in areas such as long-term care, assisted living, ethnicity and aging, health and health disparities, learning and memory, retirement, aging among minorities, intergenerational caregiving and marketing to seniors. Students who major in Gerontology must select a concentration in one of two allied fields: Behavioral and Social Sciences or Health and Health Services.
Gerontology, Undergraduate Certificate
College of Arts & Sciences
The undergraduate certificate in Gerontology prepares students for advanced study in gerontology and for entry into aging-related career fields. The 18-semester-hour curriculum provides foundational knowledge of the biological, psychological and sociological dimensions of aging, health care organization and delivery, social service programs available to older persons and contemporary aging policy issues.
Global Studies, B.I.S.
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) in Global Studies prepares students to be globally aware and competent in their chosen careers. In addition to focusing on global opportunities and pressing challenges, students develop deep regional concentration in a particular area of focus including Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America. The degree is designed so that students can take courses in political science, history, anthropology, geography, economics, linguistics, religion, sociology and international business to create their own tailored curriculum while gaining broad competencies in global issues and world languages.
Graphic Design, B.F.A.
Students learn graphic design principles through problem-solving. The program encourages students to meld the practical aspects of applied design creatively with more abstract issues of personal exploration, social consciousness and individual goals. The implementation of historical knowledge, contemporary cultural issues, conceptual and philosophical research, and media experimentation is fundamental to the graphic design experience at Georgia State. The business of graphic design and the practical aspects of the profession are also key elements of the program. Students participate in internships with local, regional, national and international firms, which provide them with a firm footing for their careers once they leave Georgia State. In addition to the permanent faculty, the program uses a diverse and rotating staff of guest instructors, each a prominent member of the professional design field. The professional teaching staff provides an important bridge between the academic program and the professional community. Course and topics taught: Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography, Print and Editorial Design, Interactive Design, Design for Education, Graphic Design in Popular Culture, Internship in Graphic Design, Motion Design and Timed Media, Corporate Identity Design, Graphic Design through Advertising, Professional Practices in Graphic Design, Specialized Applications of Graphic Design.
Health and Physical Education, B.S.E.
College of Education & Human Development
The teacher certification concentration is designed to prepare physical education teachers to educate pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students about physical and motor skills, individual and team sport skills and tactics, physical fitness, nutrition, and health to encourage active lifestyles across the lifespan. Students complete prerequisite classes and apply to the program in the spring of their sophomore year. After completing a series of activity and content classes in both physical education and health education, students will have the opportunity to complete methods of teaching classes in four settings (elementary, secondary, adapted physical education, and health education). Students gain full-time semester-long student teaching placements at both an elementary and secondary (middle or high school). Students who earn teaching certification can serve in a head coach position in public schools in Georgia. Sport Coaching is teaching in an athletic venue instead of a classroom. This program merges theoretical understanding of psychological, scientific, and pedagogical aspects of coaching with practical experiences to prepare students to succeed in coaching at all levels of sport. Students apply to the program in the spring of their sophomore year. Practical experiences in field-based settings with professional and community coaches, athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches underlie the application of theory and practice. The curriculum follows the knowledge and skills outlined by The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) National Standards for Sport Coaches preparing students to be effective leaders and advocates of athletes regardless of the sport. This concentration does not lead to initial teacher certification. Students graduating with a concentration in sport coaching are not currently eligible to serve as head coach in a public school K-12 setting. Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, educ …
Health Informatics, B.I.S.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
The B.I.S. in Health Informatics with a concentration in informatics curriculum is a five full-time semester course of study beyond the first two years of the undergraduate curriculum. Because of its professional nature, the program requires that students apply for admission to the program. Prior to admission to the program, students must complete the core curriculum. Ranking for admission is competitive, based on academic record. Student selection is based on: overall grade point average, prerequisite GPA, consistency of academic performance, grade trends and interpersonal ability as evidenced in the written personal statement.
Health Sciences - Rehabilitation Sciences, B.I.S.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
The B.I.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Interprofessional Rehabilitation Sciences curriculum is a 60 credit hour course of study beyond the first two years of the undergraduate curriculum. Students who start as freshman at Georgia State University may declare a major in the BIS in Health Sciences program by the time they have earned 45 credit hours and a minimum GPA of 2.5 to avoid a delay in graduation. Transfer students who meet admission requirements can declare the BIS in Health Sciences major upon acceptance to Georgia State University. There is no second admissions process for the BIS degree in Health Sciences. This degree program tailors coursework to the students’ needs. For example, a pre-physical therapy student can take the exact science sequence needed to apply to physical therapy programs and not waste time and money at the undergraduate level with unneeded classes. Students will also have tailored global or city experiences, which are either hands-on study abroad or local clinical experiences designed for their track.
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 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.