Degrees & Majors

Georgia State’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.s.) helps students become familiar with and capable of contributing to ongoing debates about the nature of good political and economic institutions, as well as the policies and practices that are best suited for creating and sustaining them. Students will develop the intellectual skills of the social scientist, who seeks to understand how the social world operates, and the moral philosopher, who seeks to critically evaluate the social world in relation to how it ought to be.

This interdisciplinary program makes use of the analytically rigorous tools of its three disciplines to promote serious thought about practical issues, allowing students to delve deep into moral, social, political and economic issues. This program is great for pre-law students preparing for law school and a career in law.

PPE graduates contribute intelligently to public dialogue, many in positions of power in government and corporate life. The PPE program supports the Civil Discourse Forum, a student group that encourages discussion of controversial issues and is often led by PPE students.

To learn more about our program’s faculty, events and related resources, go to the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics homepage.

Physics is the cornerstone of understanding of how things work at the most fundamental level. In the Bachelor of Science physics program at Georgia State University, students delve into the building blocks and mechanics of our reality, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. Physics majors learn how to apply these fundamental principles to a wide array of phenomena and processes.

Enrolling in our physics program means not just learning about the universe but also developing crucial skills such as critical and analytical thinking, advanced problem-solving and proficiency in mathematical and computational tools. These skills are indispensable in both scientific research and real-world applications.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers a variety of concentrations within the B.S. in physics degree program, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals:

• Applied Physics
• Astronomy
• Pre-Medicine
• Biophysics
• Geology
• Computer Science
• Education

The standard program with no concentration is recommended for students aiming to pursue graduate studies in physics.

Georgia State University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Population Health Sciences provides foundational knowledge and skills that enable students to collect and analyze data on the social, behavioral, biological and environmental factors that influence human health. The concentration helps students turn data into action by strengthening their ability to advocate for the protection and promotion of the public’s health at all levels of society, think critically and creatively, make ethical and evidence-based decisions, and understand the cultural contexts in which public health professionals work.

The Population Health Sciences concentration draws on a variety of disciplines such as math, the social, behavioral, and biological sciences, and chemistry to explore a range of health-related topics. The concentration prepares students for entry level careers in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, public health emergency preparedness and response, and workplace safety and health, among others. The Population Health Sciences concentration also provides a strong foundation for graduate education and an accelerated path to earning a Master of Public Health degree in just one additional year through the 4+1 BS/MPH program. A dedicated pre-med track includes the pre-requisite courses students need to apply to medical school.

About the School of Public Health

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia State’s School of Public Health provides a practice-based education in a thriving global city, creating leaders who are prepared to advance health equity and address urgent challenges.

Public Health students have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences throughout greater Atlanta’s vibrant public health community in places such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local government agencies and international non-governmental organizations.

Learn more about the School of Public Health

Georgia State’s psychology degree introduces you to the study of the mind and behavior. Our classes will have you applying the concepts you’re studying to clinical, industrial, community and other social contexts, while increasing your understanding of behavior and the formation of relationships.

The program offers students the option of a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. Both options will have you studying the theories and basic research methods in the industry and will make you a better communicator and listener. The B.S. option requires more STEM-related coursework in science and math and graduates tend to focus on the clinical applications of the degree in their jobs or graduate school attendance. The B.A. option allows you to dive into social sciences such as economics, political science or gerontology, among other topics.

Many students find that a bachelor’s degree in psychology is a good foundation for moving into graduate work in a number of fields.

Students have the following curriculum options depending on their degree choices:

• General Program in Psychology (B.A., B.S.)
• Concentration in Community Psychology (B.A., B.S.)
• Concentration in Pre-Medicine (B.S. Only)

The psychology undergraduate program has an active Honors Program and Presidential Assistants Program for exceptional students interested in advanced training in behavioral and psychological research, along with a large Psi Chi club for majors and minors. Applied and research practica are available in a variety of areas for advanced students taking in-person classes at the Atlanta Campus.

By pursuing a degree in Public Management and Policy students will acquire skills in professional writing, evidence-based critical thinking and policy analysis in the policy core coursework and in elective concentrations.  Students can choose from three distinct concentrations:  Nonprofit Leadership, Planning and Economics Development, and Public Management and Governance.  Students also will gain valuable skills during the internship course portion of their program.  This program prepares students for a leadership or management career in public services.

Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary area of study that prepares students to navigate multicultural environments successfully, to lead teams effectively in collaborative settings and to interpret and marshal various types of information and data while advancing a large project.

Graduates with religious studies degrees advance in a wide range of careers and hold positions at nonprofit, in healthcare, academia and other public and private settings. Studying religion puts you on the cutting edge of global politics, business, health care, education and the media.

Course offerings in religious studies, all of which are taught from a non-sectarian perspective, include comparative courses on such topics as world religions, religious thought, religious ethics, mysticism, and women and religion, as well as a host of courses on specific religious traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto and Taoism.

Respiratory therapy is a health care profession dedicated to the support and management of individuals with abnormalities or deficiencies of the cardiopulmonary system. The respiratory therapist is an expert in therapeutic and diagnostic modalities associated with the pulmonary system, as well as the heart. He or she must have a working knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and physiology as well as respiratory therapy. This background affords the therapist the ability to become proficient in working with respiratory life support systems. Under the guidance and supervision of a physician, the therapist treats by employing academic knowledge and technical skill for direct patient care. For a dedicated man or woman who finds a service field rewarding, respiratory therapy offers a career opportunity as a vital member of the health care team that is both personally and financially rewarding.

The Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance explores the principles of insurance, provides an overview of commercial and personal insurance coverages, and teaches the fundamentals of business risk management. The insurance industry continues to be a strong job market for undergraduate students and the certificate should instigate more students to consider the industry for careers regardless of college major.