Degrees & Majors

Astronomers at Georgia State are involved in four main areas of research: Black Holes and Active Galaxies:  Monster black holes, with masses that are a million to a billion times more than our Sun, live at the centers of most galaxies. We specialize in observational studies of these massive compact monsters to measure their masses, study the accretion process and understand their effects on their host galaxy. Stars and Extrasolar Planets:  Stars are the beacons of the universe, and it is around stars that planets are formed and that life may exist. Using ground and space-based facilities, we are creating the most detailed maps to date of the distances, distribution and space motions of stars nearby, and in our galaxy.  We use the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array to measure the properties of stars in exquisite detail and test the predictions of how stars evolve.  We are also leading searches for exoplanets around young and nearby stars. Solar Physics:  The solar wind consists of charged particles streaming away from the surface of the Sun at high velocities. Occasionally, energetic events release million-degree plasma into space in a process called a solar flare. The solar wind and solar flares are the key influence on space weather, and ultimately space climate and Earth.  We are developing data-mining techniques to predict solar flares and solar eruptions, and developing computational models of coronal loops and magnetic reconnection. We develop simulations of the plasma flows deep inside of stars that ultimately produce their magnetic fields via the dynamo mechanism. We test theoretical models of the Sun's interior by observing oscillation of its surface, an area called helioseismology. High Angular Resolution Imaging:  Georgia State owns and operates the CHARA Array, the world's highest resolution optical interferometer.  This facility is able to image the surfaces of stars, revealing for the first time temperature variations across their surface caused by star spots and rapid rotation.  We develop techniques for image restoration/reconstruction when observed with interferometric techniques, and for ultra high-resolution imaging done through strong turbulence in the atmosphere.

Georgia State University's Audiology Specialty Certificate is designed to provide professionals in other disciplines an in-depth knowledge about audiologic assessment procedures, as well as a robust understanding about audiologic and communication management resources for the hard of hearing and deaf populations. Postbaccalaureate/graduate students with a unique interest in the following areas and/or populations can greatly benefit from this certificate: pediatric and school-age hearing-impaired and deaf populations, adults and elderly populations with hearing loss and related communication problems, cochlear implants, auditory processing disorders (i.e., management and intervention techniques), auditory training, aural habilitation/rehabilitation, comprehensive assessment of communication needs and hearing conservation, among others. This fully online program is designed to be completed in two consecutive semesters, primarily via synchronous meetings.

Georgia State's Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies 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

Georgia State University's Music Performance (Bachelor of Music) prepares students for careers as performing musicians or studio teachers. A strong background in music reading and performance (including participation in school bands, choirs or orchestras, performance experience in small groups and as a soloist and private study) is required. Many students in this concentration have excelled in community groups such as youth orchestras and have performed in public concerts and recitals. Graduates in performance from Georgia State have gone on to have major careers in some of the world's most prestigious venues. An audition is required for admission. The mission of the 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. 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.

A Georgia State University Bachelor of Science in Music Production & Audio Recording prepares students for artistic, technical and producer/engineer roles in the music and music-related media industries. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students become skilled audio engineers and music technologists with practical training and hands-on experience that prepares them for the multifaceted challenges of the industry. Graduates emerge from the program well-versed in the technical intricacies of sound recording, mixing and mastering and possess a discerning artistic sensibility that allows them to create captivating and high-quality audio productions.

Earning an M.S. degree in biology can be a stepping stone to a career in the biosciences or in preparation for a professional degree. Georgia State's Master of Science (M.S.) in Biological Sciences is designed to offer a flexible program to suit students with a wide variety of interests in biology. In addition to the general program, concentrations are offered in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Research. Students may apply under a specific area/concentration, though a concentration is not required. Upon admission, a master's student is assumed to be non-thesis until acceptance into the thesis option. The non-thesis program emphasizes coursework, and a capstone paper or project is required. The capstone can either be literature-based or laboratory-based. The thesis option emphasizes research. Acceptance into the thesis option requires approval of a thesis proposal. Completion of the thesis option requires an approved thesis as well as a successful defense of the thesis. The thesis option is only recommended for students who are planning to pursue a Ph.D. For information about the M.S. in Medical Sciences in Biology program, which is designed for students who plan to apply to medical school, go to https://cas.gsu.edu/program/medical-sciences-in-biology-ms/.

What Is Biology? Biology is the science of life, from simple bacteria to complicated organisms. Biologists pursue a wide range of interests, among them researching diseases, exploring the evolution of organisms, modeling the complexity of ecosystems and examining the distribution of living organisms. Why Study Biology? Why do people get old and die? Why do seeds grow up, not down? How does injecting someone with a virus prevent them from catching it? Biologists learn the answers. Students of biology develop an understanding of how living things work and affect each other. They work to answer new questions about the natural world, whether it is about environmental impact or human health and well-being. Will building a new dam destroy a rare flower or increase populations of parasites? Where did the latest Salmonella outbreak originate? Why are some cancers resistant to chemotherapy? How do we make a vaccine for AIDS? Biologists perform research to discover answers to these questions, apply their research and teach the discoveries to a new generation. 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.

Want to strengthen your applications for professional school while also saving both time and money? An accelerated course of study might be for you. This dual degree program offers the B.S.in Biology in the College of Arts & Sciences and an M.S. in Health Sciences (concentration in Nutrition) in The Lewis College. Highly talented and qualified students will have the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years, saving time and tuition expenses. Participants have the opportunity to complete all general education and pre-concentration requirements for a Biology B.S. in three and a half years. If qualified for admission into The Lewis College, students can begin taking coursework toward the M.S. in Health Sciences while completing their final year of bachelor’s work. Several graduate courses will substitute for undergraduate courses resulting in a reduction of nine (9) credit hours to complete both degrees.