Degrees & Majors
Choose from more than 130 majors and minors at the university offering the widest variety of fields of study in Georgia.
Still Not Sure?
Ceramics, B.F.A.
The Georgia State University Ceramics emphasis fosters personal exploration of subject matter, technical proficiency in a broad range of working methods, and professional presentation. Students in this program develop a broad base of technique and process knowledge that emphasizes experimentation and conceptual development. The program encourages mixed media exploration, stemming from a core knowledge of ceramic art. The students develop an understanding of ceramics’ vast history as well as an investigation of contemporary practices.
Methods taught include handbuilding, wheel throwing, mold-making, slip casting, press molding, clay extrusion, figure sculpting, portrait sculpting, glaze calculation, decal creation and china painting.
Students gain the experience of organizing events and marketing through their involvement with the student organization, Student League of Independent Potters (SLIPS). The organization is responsible for managing a budget, participating in fundraising through two annual sales of work and coordinating two annual visiting artist workshops.
Chemistry, B.S.
Chemistry deals with the nature of all substances and the changes that occur within them. Chemistry ranges from the study of the structure of atoms and molecules to that of the reactions occurring in living organisms.
The study of chemistry can provide knowledge that will give students a greater understanding and appreciation of the world in which they live. Knowledge of chemistry is a great asset in areas such as biology, physics and health-related fields. It is a logical foundation for premedical training, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy and other allied health professions.
Students can choose from the following concentrations:
- BSc in Chemistry (Traditional Program)
- BSc in Chemistry with Concentration in Biochemistry
- BSc in Chemistry with Concentration in Forensic Chemistry
- BSc in Chemistry with Pre-Medical Concentration
Students interested in pre-med should follow the Biochemistry concentration.
Georgia State’s Chemistry Department offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain practical experience with laboratory equipment such as rotary evaporators, IR spectrometers, NMR spectrometers, auto titrators and gas chromatography systems to name a few.
The Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society.
Coaching, Health and Physical Education, B.S.E.
College of Education & Human Development
Georgia State University’s Coaching, Health and Physical Education B.S.E with a teacher certification concentration prepares 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, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Communication, Journalism, B.A.
The Georgia State University B.A. in Journalism program offers three concentrations:
- Multimedia Reporting: Journalists are now sought for their multimedia skills as well as traditional writing and research skills. This program is designed to prepare journalism students to go into modern media workplaces, with a variety of experiential learning options as well as specialized reporting options.
- Public Relations: This program focuses on preparing students to work in public relations. Public relations professionals are advocates who critically analyze information to create content and campaigns for employers, employees, and clients. Students will learn about techniques and campaigns. Experiential learning is the foundation of the coursework.
- Media & Society: This program is designed with an academic focus on communication, to prepare students for graduate study. Students can choose from communication courses focusing on a variety of types and areas of communication.
Our programs are designed to meet the media industries’ demand for graduates who are critical thinkers who can produce news and publicity materials efficiently across a variety of platforms.
Students can get extra support at Georgia State’s Journalism Lab which provides undergraduate journalism students with rough draft reviews, grammar assistance, help with AP style writing and video production assistance.
Students can also get practical experience through Georgia State University TV (GSUTV), the university’s partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting. As Georgia State’s media station, GSUTV provides students with training for creating broadcast content and airs special programs throughout Georgia and to a national network of PBS stations via cable, satellite, and digital platforms. GSUTV has won several Emmy and Telly Awards in recent years.
Communication, Speech B.A.
Georgia State University’s B.A. in Speech Communications focuses on how people develop communication skills, how we study communication phenomena, how we critically examine communication events and how various persuasive tactics may influence members of diverse and globalized societies.
Elective courses examine such areas as nonverbal communication, media and politics, visual communication, communication disorders, health communication, mediation and conflict resolution, and communication and aging.
The concepts and skills provided by this Georgia State major in speech are useful in a wide variety of occupations and will prove useful in the world of communications.
In the heart of Atlanta, one of the world’s most vibrant media centers, the Department of Communication offers educational programs with the goal of producing productive and socially responsible citizens who understand communication theory and deploy communication skills to improve the human condition.
Composition Concentration, Bachelor of Music (B.Mu.)
The Georgia State Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Composition offers students personalized instruction and an immersive learning experience. The program features distinguished guest speakers like Eric Whitacre, George Lewis, Caroline Shaw, John Luther Adams and the Grammy Award-winning ensemble, Roomful of Teeth.
Collaborative opportunities in film scoring, including a recent web series with the School of Film, Media, and Theater (FMT), further enhance students’ practical skills. This comprehensive program not only provides exceptional faculty guidance and inspiring guest lectures but also equips students for graduate study in composition, professional composing careers and teaching positions. Successful applicants demonstrate proficiency in theory and aural skills, submit a portfolio of compositions with accompanying recordings and pass an entrance jury.
Freshman and sophomore students may enroll in Composition Seminar to develop their portfolio. Completion of Theory I and Aural Skills I is required for admission into the Composition Seminar.
Computer Information Systems, B.B.A.
In today’s highly competitive global environment, the effective deployment of information technology has become the key to organizational success.
There is a continuing shortage of individuals with the combination of business and technology skills needed to develop and manage information systems that provide competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The mission of the B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems program is to produce graduates who are able to fill this need.
Tuition
Check out our cost calculator or visit Student Financial Services for information on estimated costs.
Computer Science, B.S.
Computer science is the systematic exploration of all aspects of computation including computer design, computer programming and software, information processing, algorithmic solutions to problems and the algorithmic process itself. Computer science provides underpinnings for today’s applications in industry, science, government, and business and prepares the foundation for tomorrow’s applications in ubiquitous computing, medical cures for diseases and instant access to information by everyone.
The Georgia State University B.S. degree program in computer science provides a good foundation for careers in industry, science, government and business as well as for advanced studies at the M.S. or Ph.D. level.
Criminal Justice, B.S.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Designed by award winning faculty in criminal justice and criminology research, the Georgia State Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree will help you advance in your career. The program offers two academic concentrations that can be earned on-campus or online: Crime and Justice or Legal Studies. The Crime and Justice concentration provides a blend of traditional criminal justice curriculum and forward thinking emphasis on digital criminology, while the Legal Studies concentration is designed for criminal justice majors desiring more intensive exposure to law often in preparation for law school. Students may also elect to pursue a minor in Digital Criminology online along with the Bachelor of Science.
Why the Criminal Justice Program at Georgia State Works
- Fair and open dialogue: Our faculty have designed a program that stresses an integrated view of the criminal justice system, highlighting relationships among the many different institutions involved and the need for cooperation and humane practices across: law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system.
- Theoretical framework combined with current events: You will study how our criminal justice system was designed and examine the parts of the system, including the roles of victims and offenders. Paired with an examination of the causes and consequences of traditional and digital crime, you will receive a comprehensive criminal justice education to prepare you for a career that is relevant to the critical issues facing justice agencies of today and tomorrow.
- Your success matters: You will work with the undergraduate advisement center throughout your time at Georgia State to make sure you are enrolling in the correct courses.
Because a bachelor’s degree at Georgia State also requires general education classes, you will find yourself speaking more clearly and effectively, thinking more analytically and critically evaluating the materials you read by the time you graduate.
Cybersecurity for Fintech Undergraduate Certificate
This certificate will prepare students for a high-demand career in cybersecurity for fintech, which is a critical function in the financial services industry. Georgia, specifically Atlanta, are centers of the fintech field, with approximately 38,000 employees and more than 160 companies generating more than $72 billion in revenues. The certificate consists of a core curriculum that meets the talent needs of this sector as defined by the FinTech Playbook developed by the University System of Georgia. Students will develop skills in the protection of information and information systems with hands-on use of state-of-the-art tools and methods that are extensively used in the fintech arena.
Data Science & Geographic Information Science, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS)
Georgia State University’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) concentration in Data Science and Geographic Information Science offers students the opportunity to explore how data and location-based technologies intersect to address real-world challenges.
This interdisciplinary program integrates data science and geographic information systems (GIS) to develop expertise in location intelligence – the use of spatial data to reveal patterns, relationships, and trends. The curriculum prepares students to apply spatial data and analytical techniques in domains such as urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, transportation and geospatial applications in logistics and commerce.
Whether pursuing graduate studies or entering the workforce, students in this program will be equipped with the skills needed to analyze and interpret spatial data, apply location intelligence and contribute to data-driven solutions across a range of fields.
Data Science, B.S.
The B.S. program in Data Science will provide students with a strong foundation in the mathematics and basic sciences, fundamental computer programming and algorithmic skills, strong foundations in data science fundamentals and methodologies, and a capstone experience to prepare students for a wide range of job opportunities. Students will also learn ethical standards related to the fast-growing field of data science.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter the job market or to pursue graduate study in data science, computer science or computer engineering.
Deaf Studies, Deaf Education Concentration, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies with a concentration in Deaf Education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with deaf/hard of hearing children or adults.
The courses in this program will give students a foundation in American Sign Language and deaf cultures(s). Students will also gain skills specific to teaching or interpreting for deaf individuals.
The deaf education concentration does not lead to teacher certification. Students who are interested in teacher certification must complete the deaf education concentration and the one-year Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education.
Deaf Studies, Sign Language Interpreting Concentration, B.A.
Sign Language Interpreting is an interdisciplinary field that combines highly developed competency in American Sign Language and English with knowledge of linguistics, interpretation, translation and principles of professional practice.
The Sign Language Interpreting concentration prepares students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to enter field of American Sign Language/English interpretation. Students develop confidence in their working languages, proficiency in linguistic and cultural analysis, and the interpersonal skills needed to develop a relevant and sound professional practice.
For students who are interested in pursuing careers working with deaf/hard of hearing children or adults, the B.A. Deaf Studies degree will allow for a concentration in Deaf Education or Sign Language Interpreting.
Dental Hygiene, B.S.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
The Georgia State online dental hygiene bachelor of science degree program is for registered dental hygienists who already have an associate degree. This online bachelor’s completion program will help you advance in the profession by giving you the education you need to move into other roles, such as: providing clinical instruction for future hygienists, attending graduate school or moving to roles outside of clinical practice.
As the first tier-one research university in the Atlanta metro to offer an R.D.H. to B.S degree completion program, we are ready to help you succeed. Georgia State is nationally recognized for our student success initiatives and helping students like you advance in your profession is part of our core mission.
The online B.S. in Dental Hygiene includes 10 courses to provide coursework necessary to enable graduates to advance to more marketable positions in the profession. All courses are fully online and are three credit hours each.
Drawing, Painting and Printmaking B.F.A.
The Drawing and Painting concentration hosts diverse media-specific and conceptually focused classes, dedicated classroom studios and a project/critique space. A stylistically diverse faculty offers courses in specific media and material content—oil-based, water-based, life drawing, digital possibilities—as well as concept-driven courses such as “Figure as Content,” “Sound and Radio,” “Anthropocene Studies,” “Research Methodologies,” “Maps and Messages,” “Science + Art” and more. Philosophically, the faculty engender a range of visual expression, media experimentation, social practice and conceptual art—all grounded in traditional technical training.
Faculty areas of expertise include classical drawing, mixed-media, collage, video, sound, animation, trompe l’oeil /ultra realist and abstract painting, sculpture and installation. A range of international travel programs have been hosted by area faculty and student internships are supported by faculty.
The Printmaking curriculum introduces students to cross-disciplinary modes of working while enhancing their understanding of foundational principles of design and the importance and beauty of method, process, discipline, repetition and perseverance.
Emphasis is placed on mastering the elements of mark-making while encouraging variation and risk-taking with the tools at hand. Stressing the notion of drawing and the formal elements of process and design as a language, the faculty encourage students to broaden their vocabulary and fluency in the medium, honing and translating their perceptions of a tangible world into legible and poetic works. Students look at the history of art and the tradition of printmaking in order to trace the evolution of the medium to the position it now enjoys as a vibrant and viable means of creating contemporary art. They are taught technique and concept through discussions, demos, examples, museum/studio/gallery visits and readings that demonstrate the uses of print-based techniques for image-making, which serves as a vehicle for learning and the proliferation of meaning and messages, taking cues from all aspects of the contemporary political, philosophical and social sphere. Students gain technical skill and are shown methods of employing the techniques unique to printmaking’s fundamental processes to make work that marries form and content in meaningful ways and when appropriate reaches beyond the confines of the traditional print.
The Printmaking area cultivates a culture of collaboration and is enhanced by a student-run organization, Printmaker’s Workshop, which organizes trips to conferences, museums and studios in Atlanta and beyond.