Degrees & Majors
Choose from dozens of nationally ranked and recognized programs and more than 250 majors, minors and pathways at Georgia State offering the widest variety of fields of study.
Search results are alphabetized
The information shared here is intended to provide an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more please refer to the university catalogs.
Game Design, B.A.
The B.A. in Game Design trains interested students to integrate game arts with related advanced technology software platforms in which videogames are conceptualized, designed and created.
The team at the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) is composed of scholars and professors of practice who work with students on theory and practical industry knowledge. Our students have access to a unique group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and strengths to give them a more well-rounded education and view of the creative industry.
Students have access to professionals who are well-regarded in the industry, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and documentary filmmaker, and a professor of practice who has created cutting-edge visual effects for some of Hollywood’s biggest feature films, including "Avatar" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Students who are interested in deeper training in game programming or whose career interests might include work in the wider data sciences, might consider the B.S. in Game Development program at CMII.
Game Development, B.S.
The B.S. in Game Development trains students for coding, programming and software-intensive game development careers. The program is for students aspiring to gain the background and technical skill necessary for a career in game development or science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related areas in computational media and connects students to the region’s game design companies and to the industrial ecosystem for games development in the region.
The major, while mainly preparing students for careers in the videogame companies and start-up enterprises, can also prepare students for careers in game production, animation, motion graphics, postproduction and wider software development industries, including social media analytics, Web and application development.
The Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) is partnered with the Georgia Film Academy and collaborates with the Georgia Film Academy on related certifications in esports management for students who want to work in that and associated sectors.
Geographic Information Systems, Professional Certificate
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used every day, most often for mapping points of reference and data related to points on the Earth’s surface. GIS jobs are plentiful and growth in the industry is expected to continue in the coming years.
With the Georgia State GIS graduate certificate, you will be able to start or advance your career in:
- Urban and regional planning
- Environmental resource management
- Surveying, cartography and mapping
- Geospatial data analytics
The faculty and staff in the Georgia State University Department of Geosciences are well networked in GIS-related industries and firms in the Atlanta area and beyond. Through applied projects, students will gain real-world experience in utilizing mapping and geospatial technologies to address pressing social and environmental concerns.
Our faculty have expertise in GIS, geography and geology, and we specialize in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry, global climate change and solving urban environmental problems.
All courses required to earn the certificate can be completed online. Courses are taught asynchronously. There may be opportunities for workshops or tutorial session on campus.
Geosciences B.A./M.S. and B.S./M.S.
Geosciences B.A./M.S. and B.S./M.S.
Georgia State University students can fast-track their education and save money on tuition by earning bachelor's and master's degrees in geosciences in as little as five years.
Students can choose from a B.A. or B.S. program, enrolling in graduate courses late in their undergraduate program that count toward both the bachelor’s and M.S. in Geosciences degree. Students in the 4+1 "Dual Degree" program can choose from a wide range of areas of study to match their interests and career goals:
- Bachelor of Arts concentrations are offered in geography and urban studies.
- Bachelor of Sciences concentrations are offered in geology, environmental geosciences, geography and urban studies.
- The Master of Science program offers concentrations in geography, geology and water sciences.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographical information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, B.A. Geography Concentration
Geography focuses on the interdisciplinary study of the human and physical world. As the Association of American Geographers describes it, human geography examines “spatial aspects of human existence,” while physical geography examines patterns of climates, landforms, vegetation, soils and water.
The geography concentration prepares students for a variety of public and private sector jobs, and provides a solid intellectual foundation for students getting advanced degrees in the social or natural sciences.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, B.A., Urban Studies Concentration
The Urban Studies concentration enables students to focus on the study of cities, including urban development and economics, urban politics and institutions, the urban built environment, social and environmental disparities in cities and the changing physical and social dynamics of urbanization processes. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to draw from a variety of courses to solve some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century city. The Urban Studies concentration draws from classes in complementary departments, enabling the student to develop specific interests within the concentration.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, B.S. Geography Concentration
The Geography concentration allows students to acquire the skills needed to study the world from both physical and human perspectives. Students are trained in qualitative and quantitative approaches, techniques to examine issues locally and globally, and the use of the power of maps to effect change.
As the Association of American Geographers describes it, human geography examines “spatial aspects of human existence,” while physical geography examines patterns of climates, landforms, vegetation, soils and water.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, B.S. Geology Concentration
The Geology concentration focuses on physical, chemical and biological aspects of the surface and interior of the Earth. This concentration is recommended for students who will later pursue licensure as a professional geologist, which is required for supervisory work in many environmental and other fields.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
This program allows an undergraduate in any major to gain training and certification in Geographic Information Systems. This is a hot field that can add strength to careers in geography, geology, public health, sociology, policy, business, anthropology and other fields.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water (from water governance to water quality and quantity), climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographical information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Certificate in Sustainability
This program offers students an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability as a concept, area of study, social practice, organizational goal and policy objective that concerns the effects and durability of relationships and interactions between social and biophysical systems.
This undergraduate certificate is an excellent complement to undergraduates pursuing careers in natural resources or environmental fields.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water (from water governance to water quality and quantity), climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Certificate in Water Sciences
The undergraduate certificate in water sciences is designed to provide students with a knowledge of the quality and quantity of water in the environment and modern techniques to assess, model and remediate aquatic environmental problems, and understand the social context and implications of water resources.
This certificate is an excellent complement to undergraduates pursuing careers in natural resources or environmental fields.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water (from water governance to water quality and quantity), climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographical information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, Environmental Geosciences, B.S.
The Environmental Geosciences concentration focuses on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the surface of the Earth, with an emphasis on understanding, preventing and mitigating human impacts on the environment.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Geosciences, M.S., Geography Concentration
The Master of Science in Geosciences with a Geography concentration allow students to specialize in urban studies, geospatial technologies or physical geography/environmental studies. Thesis and capstone tracks are available.
The Department of Geosciences is distinctive because it spans the social and physical dimensions of environmental and resource issues, with a special focus on urban communities.
Our faculty have expertise in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry and global climate change. We are also expanding our Geographic Information Science research and teaching to better represent and describe the complexity of social and environmental concerns.
Joining forces with our students and community partners, we tackle the interrelated environmental and social challenges of the 21st century that involve the quality, quantity and sustainable use of our natural resources.
Geosciences, M.S., Geology Concentration
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program with a Geology concentration offers a broad range of courses that prepare students for research and professional careers. Thesis and capstone option programs are offered. Research efforts are in the following broad areas: geochemistry (analytical, aqueous, environmental, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary), mineralogy, hydrogeology, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology and geoinformatics.
The Department of Geosciences is distinctive because it spans the social and physical dimensions of environmental and resource issues, with a special focus on urban communities.
Our faculty have expertise in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry and global climate change. We are also expanding our Geographic Information Science research and teaching to better represent and describe the complexity of social and environmental concerns.
Joining forces with our students and community partners, we tackle the interrelated environmental and social challenges of the 21st century that involve the quality, quantity and sustainable use of our natural resources.
Geosciences, M.S., Water Sciences Concentration
Employers in the public sector and private industry are hungry for people who understand aquatic systems. The M.S. degree program with a Water Sciences concentration provides students with a knowledge of the quality and quantity of water in the environment and modern techniques to assess, model and remediate aquatic environmental problems. Students can choose a thesis or capstone option.
The Department of Geosciences is distinctive because it spans the social and physical dimensions of environmental and resource issues, with a special focus on urban communities.
Our faculty have expertise in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry and global climate change. We are also expanding our Geographic Information Science research and teaching to better represent and describe the complexity of social and environmental concerns.
Joining forces with our students and community partners, we tackle the interrelated environmental and social challenges of the 21st century that involve the quality, quantity and sustainable use of our natural resources.
Geosciences, Urban Studies, B.S.
The Urban Studies concentration is focused on topics across geosciences applicable to the study of urban settings, including social and environmental disparities in cities, issues related to development and economics from urbanization and more. This interdisciplinary concentration situated in Geosciences affords an opportunity for students to learn beyond the department as well as benefit from a multitude of expertise in Geosciences on human-environmental challenges.
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including water, from water governance to water quality and quantity, climate change and quantity, geochemical processes, and geographic information systems and informatics.
Gerontology, B.I.S.
College of Arts & Sciences
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in Gerontology offers students an opportunity to learn about aging across the life course. Gerontology courses draw from a variety of disciplines to expose students to issues, knowledge and research about aging processes, older people and the complex needs of our rapidly aging society.
Faculty members associated with the Gerontology Institute come from business, law, the social and biological sciences, and the health and human service professions. They bring a diverse, interdisciplinary perspective to our instructional programs and are engaged in a wide range of research in areas such as long-term care, assisted living, ethnicity and aging, health and health disparities, learning and memory, retirement, aging among minorities, intergenerational caregiving and marketing to seniors.
Students who major in Gerontology must select a concentration in one of two allied fields: Behavioral and Social Sciences or Health and Health Services.
Gerontology, Graduate Certificate
College of Arts & Sciences
The Gerontology Graduate Certificate is designed for people who are preparing for careers in the aging field and for professionals already working in areas such as health care, social services, recreation and leisure, government and business.
Applicants to this program include people changing careers, re-entering the workforce or seeking additional expertise. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides in-depth exposure to issues, knowledge and research about aging processes, older people and the needs of an aging population. The program integrates knowledge of gerontology into students’ own disciplinary fields.
The Graduate Certificate may be earned concurrently with an M.A., M.S., or Ph.D. degree, or independently by those who hold a bachelor’s or advanced degree.