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The information shared here is intended to provide an overview of Georgia State University’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more please refer to the university catalogs.
Astronomy, Ph.D.
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.
Audiology Assistant Certificate
College of Education & Human Development, Perimeter College
An audiology assistant is a person who, after appropriate training and demonstration of competency, performs delegated tasks that are prescribed, directed and supervised by a certified or licensed audiologist. Audiology Assistants improve access to patient care by increasing the availability of audiology services. They also reduce costs by performing tasks that do not require the professional skills of a certified or licensed audiologist. The Audiology Assistant Certificate program offers coursework and supervised clinical experiences to prepare students for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification exam and credentialing. This hybrid format certificate program is ideal for prospective undergraduates or post-bachelor degree students. It also serves as a pathway for students interested in pursuing and applying for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or clinical doctorate in audiology. The catalog listing is expected to be available in March 2023. For more information, view the College of Education & Human Development undergraduate admissions page, Audiology Assistant Certificate section.
Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Composition, B.Mu.
This concentration prepares students for graduate study in composition, careers as professional composers and teachers of composition. Successful applicants demonstrate success in undergraduate theory and aural skills classes, have a portfolio of compositions and successfully pass an entrance jury. A portfolio of compositions with accompanying recordings for review as well as completion of Theory IV and Aural Skills IV is required. Freshman and sophomore students may enroll in Composition Seminar to develop the portfolio. Completion of Theory I and Aural Skills I is required for admission into the Composition Seminar. 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.
Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Jazz Studies, B.Mu.
This concentration develops competence in jazz performance, improvisation and knowledge of jazz history, develops professional competence in establishing, organizing and maintaining a high school or college-level jazz program and nurtures the creative talents of students in jazz arranging and composing. The Jazz Studies program provides opportunities for students to participate in quality jazz organizations such as large jazz bands and jazz combos. In addition to the performance groups, students may supplement their playing by participating in some of the academic jazz courses such as jazz improvisation, jazz arranging and jazz pedagogy, etc. 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.
Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Music Education, B.Mu.
The Music Education Faculty believes all cultures should be represented and that both traditional and novel settings should be used to teach music. You will take traditional method classes but will also learn to improvise, use electric instruments, compose and much more. You will learn to be the best possible ensemble/choral director in addition to being able to design novel student-centered instruction. Most important, you will learn to channel your passion for music through effective instruction. Music Education prepares you to teach music in schools or other group settings from early childhood through adulthood. After graduation, you qualify for a Georgia teaching certificate in K-12 music. In addition to performance, you will study child development and learning, as well as methods of teaching music. Applicants should have a strong background in music performance and music reading and should have a particular interest in sharing their love of music with others. 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.
Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Music Performance, B.Mu.
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.
Bachelor of Science, Concentration in Music Production & Audio Recording, B.S.
Music Production & Audio Recording prepares students for work in artistic, technical or producer/director capacities in music and music-related media industries. Students are aesthetically and practically trained for work as audio engineers and music technologists. An audition or a digital portfolio is required for entrance. 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.
Biology Pathway, A.S.
Perimeter College
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.
Biology, B.S.
The career possibilities are endless with a bachelor’s degree in biology. A strong foundation in life science is a strong foundation for almost any career path. While students can choose to stay on the General Studies track, we offer concentrations in: Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Microbiology Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology Neurobiology Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Undergraduate students can get involved in research and two interdisciplinary areas of focus — The Molecular Basis of Disease program and The Brains and Behavior program — provide competitive fellowships, seminars and symposia to support Biology undergraduate and graduate researchers. The Department also offers students the unique opportunity to participate in community outreach through the Bio-Bus program, which sends a mobile teaching laboratory to primary and secondary schools throughout metro-Atlanta.
Biology, B.S./M.S.
Biology, B.S./M.S.
Dual-degree opportunities enable 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. That can mean saving a year or more in time and tuition dollars. Students must be formally accepted into the dual-degree program by the department and College of Arts and Sciences to be able to take graduate courses as an undergraduate. Acceptance into the dual program does not constitute admission to the master’s program. Students must fulfill regular graduate admissions requirements and apply for the master’s program following college processes. Information about the dual program, including application instructions and program requirements, can be found in the Dual Degree section of the CAS website.
Biology, M.S.
Biology, M.S.
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/.
Biology, Ph.D.
A graduate degree in biology can open doors to many rewarding careers. The Biology Department's Ph.D. program prepares graduates for a range of positions in private industry, public agencies and academia, among others. Potential job titles include principal scientist, research associate, microbiologist, research biologist, field application scientist and analytical staff scientist. There are many benefits to getting a graduate degree. It makes you a more competitive candidate whether you are seeking a job or admission to another professional school. A graduate degree can also increase your earning potential and help you develop a professional network.
Biomedical Science and Enterprise, B.I.S.
Institute for Biomedical Sciences
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in Biomedical Science and Enterprise (BSEN) program prepares graduates for a range of exciting careers in the biomedical industry or advanced degrees in science, business or law. The program offers an innovative approach to education that combines studies in biomedical science, business, entrepreneurship and law, and teaches students the scientific, legal and commercial aspects of scientific discovery. The BSEN program is a perfect fit for anyone passionate about patient care, intrigued by the scientific study of human diseases or interested in creating and marketing the next generation of disease-preventing therapeutics or wearable health devices. It's also for those who have dreams of working in a hospital, pharmaceutical company or biomed startup. Our versatile graduates possess diverse skills sought by leading industry employers, and they’re ready to make a lasting difference that advances human health and improves the quality of human life. The program is offered by the Institute for Biomedical Sciences in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Law, Honors College, J. Mack Robinson College of Business and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute.
Biomedical Science and Enterprise, M.I.S.
The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.I.S.) in Biomedical Science and Enterprise program equips students to enter the biomedical science workforce through its unique interdisciplinary coursework in science, law and business, accompanied by interactive projects, internships and hands-on research experience. In partnership with the nationally ranked J. Mack Robinson College of Business and the College of Law, this innovative program teaches students how to bring biomedical advances to the marketplace, empowering them to make important contributions that could improve human health and save lives. Students gain a competitive edge by developing the skills sought by employers, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration across disciplines. They are also prepared to work in a number of areas, including biotechnology, pharmaceutics, entrepreneurship, consulting, education, outreach, government and other fields. Two Tracks, Two Career Experiences Students with strong interest in the business and/or legal aspects of biomedical science may complete the professional track, which will allow them to learn how to contribute to the commercialization of scientific discovery with a strong focus on professional development. Students with a strong interest in research may complete the research track, which will allow for hands-on-wet-lab research experience, mentorship opportunities with world-class scientists and a focus on technical development.
Biostatistics, MPH
School of Public Health
Biostatistics involves the development and application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine, epidemiology and public health, and includes statistical work in areas of environmental study, agricultural research and biology. Georgia State's Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Biostatistics trains students to apply statistical principles and methods to problems in public health, medicine and biology. The Master of Public Health program includes the development of analytic thinking and skill, with an emphasis on applications of research and evaluation in public health. Coursework in this concentration covers the span of biostatistics knowledge, including study design, data management, data analysis, interpretation, statistical reporting and the use of statistical software. Master of Public Health graduates in the Biostatistics concentration are well-prepared for employment in academia, government, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations or private industry. About the School of Pubic 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 engage in practicum opportunities 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
Birth Through Five, B.S.Ed.
The B.S.Ed. program in birth through five (B-5) prepares teachers and other early care and education professionals to work in varied settings with young children and their families. Age ranges from infancy through kindergarten, including children who are typically developing and those with disabilities. Our program: Offers evening and online classes Allows students to complete clinical field experience in their work-based settings Prepares students to be innovative, creative and high-quality early childhood educators Offers certification and non-certification options There are two concentrations: Teacher certification Non-teacher certification Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc. ...