Degrees & Majors

What Is Computer Science? Computer Science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their application and implementation in computer systems. Why Study Computer Science? Computers are a mainstay in today’s society. Whether at home, school, or in the workplace, people use technology. Understanding how computer systems work and learning how to make everyday tasks more efficient are valuable skills. Studying computer science introduces students to the exciting and ever-changing technological world. Perimeter College’s guided pathway in Computer Science teaches students the fundamentals of the science while also helping them to learn how to conceptualize, design and implement technology solutions. The pathway prepares students for careers in technology and for transfer to a four-year institution. Perimeter College computer science students can benefit from scholarships, stipends, undergraduate research and STEM initiatives, such as ENLISTEM, MESA, PSLSAMP and STEP. Routinely, Perimeter’s students win national conference awards for research projects, and the robotics team consistently places in the top three in the Association for Computing Machinery Southeast Regional Robotics Competition. 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.

The Department of Computer Science offers a combined bachelor of science and master of science degree in computer science, allowing students to save a year of time and tuition as compared to pursuing the degrees separately. Students in the 4+1 program can enjoy several advantages, in addition to earning a bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years: GRE is waived. Likely receive a tuition waiver for the year of graduate studies. Likely receive a stipend for the year of graduate studies. Use HOPE and/or Pell Grant funds for the 12 credit hours counting toward your B.S. and M.S. degrees. Increase your earning potential with the master’s level credential. Find out more details about the M.S. in Computer Science program.  

Designed by award winning faculty in criminal justice and criminology research, the Georgia State online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree will help you advance in your career. The program offers two academic concentrations that can be earned on-campus or online: Crime and Justice or Legal Studies. The Crime and Justice concentration provides a blend of traditional criminal justice curriculum and forward thinking emphasis on digital criminology, while the Legal Studies concentration is designed for criminal justice majors desiring more intensive exposure to law often in preparation for law school. Students may also elect to pursue a minor in Digital Criminology online along with the Bachelor of Science. Why our program works Fair and open dialogue: Our faculty have designed a program that stresses an integrated view of the criminal justice system, highlighting relationships among the many different institutions involved and the need for cooperation and humane practices across: law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system. Theoretical framework combined with current events: You will study how our criminal justice system was designed and examine the parts of the system, including the roles of victims and offenders. Paired with an examination of the causes and consequences of traditional and digital crime, you will receive a comprehensive criminal justice education to prepare you for a career that is relevant to the critical issues facing justice agencies of today and tomorrow. Your success matters: You will work with the undergraduate advisement center throughout your time at Georgia State to make sure you are enrolling in the correct courses. Because a bachelor’s degree at Georgia State also requires general education classes, you will find yourself speaking more clearly and effectively, thinking more analytically and critically evaluating the materials you read by the time you graduate.

The certificate in cybersecurity offers students an opportunity to develop skills in network security, information security and cyber-crime with a focus on preventing and responding to large-scale cyber threats and attacks. The certificate, which consists of 16 credit hours, allows students to offer tangible proof of their technical and strategic knowledge in cybersecurity. There is a growing need for professionals who are skilled at keeping digital information and infrastructure safe in response to the proliferation of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IOT) and cloud computing. Students in the program are typically declared as computer science majors to meet the requirements of this certificate. See the course catalog for more details.

The certificate in data science is designed to help meet the demand for computer scientists trained in managing large data sets, developing and utilizing computer systems/software to process data, extracting knowledge or insights from data in various forms and modeling predictive analytics. Generating and collecting data has become ubiquitous with the proliferation of social networks and mobile computing, along with emerging areas such as the Internet of Things and cyber sensing and networking technologies. Businesses and industries are striving to use data analytics, data mining, machine learning and statistical models to make better data-driven decisions using vast amounts of data. The certificate in data science consists of 16 credit hours at the 4000 level from a restricted set of courses. Students in the program are typically declared as computer science majors to meet the requirements of this certificate. See the course catalog for more details.

What is Dental Hygiene? Dental Hygiene encompasses the relationship between oral health care and total body health. Providing individualized oral hygiene care requires knowledge in the application of principles of biomedical, clinical and social sciences. The profession demonstrates ethical principles of health care, appropriate communication skills and critical thinking skills while delivering consistent, safe clinical treatment to patients, families, groups and communities in a variety of health care settings. Accredited by the American Dental Association, the Perimeter College Dental Hygiene guided pathway is a two-year, five-semester course of study that begins each fall. Graduates who earn an associate degree are eligible to join a preventive oral health profession that promotes quality health and education in a variety of practice settings. Why Study Dental Hygiene? A dental hygienist has the opportunity to influence a patient’s overall health by providing knowledgeable oral hygiene treatment. The profession requires an interest in science and health care and, equally important, a desire to work with and help people. Perimeter College’s Dental Hygiene guided pathway is approved by the Georgia Board of Dentistry and accredited by the American Dental Association. The pathway offers a dynamic and licensed faculty, advanced training in dental technology equipment, service learning opportunities and the potential for advanced degree transfer. Admission to the Dental Hygiene Program This program requires special admission. The Dental Hygiene sequence of professional courses starts only in the fall semester, and enrollment is limited. Official notification of acceptance to the program is confirmed by the Department of Dental Hygiene. Admission requirements include the following: Acceptance to Perimeter College of Georgia State University Satisfaction of all Learning Support requirements Additional requirements as defined by the Department of Dental Hygiene Applicants should visit the Dental Hygiene website for additional information.

The Drawing and Painting concentration hosts diverse media-specific and conceptually focused classes, dedicated classroom studios and a project/critique space. A stylistically diverse faculty offers courses in specific media and material content—oil-based, water-based, life drawing, digital possibilities—as well as concept-driven courses such as “Figure as Content,” “Sound and Radio,” “Anthropocene Studies,” “Research Methodologies,” “Maps and Messages,” “Science + Art” and more. Philosophically, the faculty engender a range of visual expression, media experimentation, social practice and conceptual art—all grounded in traditional technical training. Faculty areas of expertise include classical drawing, mixed-media, collage, video, sound, animation, trompe l’oeil /ultra realist and abstract painting, sculpture and installation. A range of international travel programs have been hosted by area faculty and student internships are supported by faculty. The Printmaking curriculum introduces students to cross-disciplinary modes of working while enhancing their understanding of foundational principles of design and the importance and beauty of method, process, discipline, repetition and perseverance. Emphasis is placed on mastering the elements of mark-making while encouraging variation and risk-taking with the tools at hand. Stressing the notion of drawing and the formal elements of process and design as a language, the faculty encourage students to broaden their vocabulary and fluency in the medium, honing and translating their perceptions of a tangible world into legible and poetic works. Students look at the history of art and the tradition of printmaking in order to trace the evolution of the medium to the position it now enjoys as a vibrant and viable means of creating contemporary art. They are taught technique and concept through discussions, demos, examples, museum/studio/gallery visits and readings that demonstrate the uses of print-based techniques for image-making, which serves as a vehicle for learning and the proliferation of meaning and messages, taking cues from all aspects of the contemporary political, philosophical and social sphere. Students gain technical skill and are shown methods of employing the techniques unique to printmaking’s fundamental processes to make work that marries form and content in meaningful ways and when appropriate reaches beyond the confines of the traditional print. The Printmaking area cultivates a culture of collaboration and is enhanced by a student-run organization, Printmaker’s Workshop, which organizes trips to conferences, museums and studios in Atlanta and beyond.

An undergraduate degree in economics prepares students with the quantitative and qualitative skills to think critically and learn how to make optimal decisions. Students will learn by doing with a curriculum taught by nationally acclaimed economists and faculty. The BS has a focus on quantitative and mathematical reasoning. This program is recommended if students are considering a graduate degree in economics or related areas in business.

What Is Teacher Education? Education is a pathway that helps to prepare future teachers by learning educational philosophies, policies, attitudes, behaviors and instruction in order to effectively perform the duties associated with the position of a classroom teacher. Through introductory courses in the field, students will learn to think critically about key issues that affect 21st-century learners in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms. Why Education as a Pathway? At Perimeter College, students take introductory gateway courses in education that help them to explore issues related to the teaching profession. The courses include the history and foundation of the field of education, critical issues associated with the field, diversity issues in strategies and education to support 21st-century learners. If you are excited by the idea of working with children and introducing them to ideas they will carry for a lifetime, the educational field may be for you. At Perimeter College, students may study Early Childhood, Middle Grades, Secondary School or Special Education. Students also may study Health/Physical Education. Students focusing on Early Childhood, Secondary Education or Health/PE may take many courses online, but some courses may require campus attendance. Students concentrating in Special Education or Middle Grades or Health/PE may take required classes online. Students should consult with their advisors to confirm availability of online courses and find out about requirements or additional costs that may be associated with those courses. 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.