SACS Accreditation

2.7.2 Program Content

Core Requirement:  The institution offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education.

X Compliance
    Partial Compliance
    Non-Compliance

As noted in its Mission Statement [1] Georgia State University offers educational opportunities for traditional and nontraditional students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels by blending the best of theoretical and applied inquiry, scholarly and professional pursuits, and scientific and artistic expression. As an urban research university with strong disciplinary-based departments and a wide array of problem-oriented interdisciplinary programs, the goal of the university is to develop, transmit, and utilize knowledge in order to provide access to quality education for diverse groups of students, to educate leaders for the State of Georgia and the nation, and to prepare citizens for lifelong learning in a global society.

The undergraduate and graduate programs of Georgia State University are all designed to fulfill this mission. Many programs at Georgia State are focused on taking advantage of its urban setting, e.g., degrees in law, business, social work, and criminal justice. Also, the programs in philosophy are focused on legal and political philosophy to take advantage of the cluster of legal and government institutions located within walking distance of campus. The same is true of programs such as nursing and business. 

All programs are reviewed every seven years following the Academic Program Review process, [2] which is discussed more fully in Requirement 2.5. This review includes a self-study, outside peer reviews, internal reviews, and an action plan. Departments are responsible for making sure that their programs remain current and the review process, particularly the external and internal reviewers’ reports, ensures that all degree program are current, embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with George State’s mission, and are appropriate to higher education.

Coherence with customary elements of baccalaureate and graduate degrees is shown in each program description contained in the Graduate and Undergraduate Catalogs. At the undergraduate level, each program of study is defined by the following areas: Core Curriculum Requirements, Courses Appropriate to the Major, Major courses, Minor courses (if required for the program), College Degree Requirements, and University Degree Requirements. Georgia State’s Core Curriculum meet the requirements for core curricula set by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. [3] Graduate program requirements are defined by the faculty in that discipline, and are listed in the Graduate Catalog. Graduate degrees support Georgia State's mission and its research focus, in particular. Finally, many programs are accredited by various specialized professional associations who review Georgia State’s programs for coherence and appropriateness. [4] 

1. Mission Statement
2. Academic Program Review
3. Board of Regents, Core Curriculum Principles and Framework
4. Specialized Accreditations