Degrees & Majors

Computer science is the systematic exploration of all aspects of computation including computer design, computer programming and software, information processing, algorithmic solutions to problems and the algorithmic process itself. Computer science provides underpinnings for today’s applications in industry, science, government, and business and prepares the foundation for tomorrow’s applications in ubiquitous computing, medical cures for diseases and instant access to information by everyone. The B.S. degree program in computer science provides a good foundation for careers in industry, science, government and business as well as for advanced studies at the M.S. or Ph.D. level.

What Is Criminal Justice? Criminal justice is the system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, sanctioning those who violate laws and delivering penalties and/or rehabilitation efforts. Why Study Criminal Justice? Criminal justice courses offer a balanced introduction to the three facets of the criminal justice system: policing, courts and corrections. Students gain insight into criminal courts, security, police and corrections operations. They identify the legal, social and technological challenges in the criminal justice field. The study of criminal justice often serves as an introduction for students planning to attend law school. 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.

This certificate will prepare students for a high-demand career in cybersecurity for fintech, which is a critical function in the financial services industry. Georgia, specifically Atlanta, are centers of the fintech field, with approximately 38,000 employees and more than 160 companies generating more than $72 billion in revenues. The certificate consists of a core curriculum that meets the talent needs of this sector as defined by the FinTech Playbook developed by the University System of Georgia. Students will develop skills in the protection of information and information systems with hands-on use of state-of-the-art tools and methods that are extensively used in the fintech arena.

The B.S. program in Data Science will provide students with a strong foundation in the mathematics and basic sciences, fundamental computer programming and algorithmic skills, strong foundations in data science fundamentals and methodologies, and a capstone experience to prepare students for a wide range of job opportunities. Students will also learn ethical standards related to the fast-growing field of data science. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter the job market or to pursue graduate study in data science, computer science or computer engineering.

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.  

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.