Degrees & Majors

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.

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.

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, 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.

Our program M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education degree is for those who are pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health and physical educators.

This program will:

• Extend your content and pedagogical knowledge for improved professional practice.
• Develop leadership skills that will allow you to lead curriculum development, program administration and leadership roles at the local school level and in professional organizations at the state, regional and national level.

Built for health care professionals who are ready to specialize in the in-demand field of health informatics, the online graduate certificate in clinical health informatics is a 19 credit-hour program of study.

Health informatics brings together the design, development and adoption of information technology-based innovations in health care delivery, management and planning. By adding this graduate certificate to your resumé, you are preparing to edge out the competition as you work toward your next opportunity.

You’ll study and complete projects in healthcare data analytics, healthcare information technology, healthcare project management, and more topics that will prepare you to work at a higher level at your current job or be ready for your next role in informatics.

Georgia State graduate students in physical therapy, respiratory therapy, nutrition or occupational therapy are also encouraged to consider adding this certificate to your program of study.

Program structure: The program consists of at least two courses per semester and can be completed in 12 months (three semesters).

Improved health literacy increases health equity. Addressing health literacy reduces disparities through improved communication between patients and health consumers and those who provide health information, such as doctors or public health workers.

This online graduate certificate strengthens competencies already acquired in fields such as nursing, social work, public health and adult literacy. You will learn the importance of understandable and actionable health information, the challenges of acquiring and changing health-related behavior and the development of programs in the community for addressing low health literacy.

The online Graduate Certificate in Health Literacy combines a theoretical and practical approach to issues of health literate communication in adult education, the health professions, healthcare administration and public health.

This program is designed for :

• Adult educators
• Researchers
• Health care professionals
• Health system employees
• Public health practitioners

A significant feature of this certificate is the collaboration among scholars and practitioners in adult education, the health professions, healthcare administration and health promotion and behavior. The program gives students a systematic understanding of how health literacy impacts education, health outcomes, health communication, health promotion and behavior between and among individuals, businesses, health care entities, and traditional and digital media. These skills are critical in industry, academia, business, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and government.

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.

What are Health Sciences?

Health Sciences involve the use of technology to diagnose, treat, heal and record a wide variety of diseases and medical conditions. Patients and their health care professionals depend on these technologies to ensure proper care.

Why Study Health Sciences?

Health care is a growing field, and career opportunities are expected to remain strong as the nation’s adult population ages.

Perimeter College offers health sciences pathways that constitute the first two years of four-year Allied Health degrees that must be completed at a four-year university.

The health sciences pathways offered at Perimeter College are: Health Information Administration, Health Science Professionals (not for pre-medical, pre-dental or pre-pharmacy), Medical Technology, Radiologic Sciences, Respiratory Therapy.

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.