Degrees & Majors
Choose from dozens of nationally ranked and recognized programs and more than 250 majors, minors and pathways at the university offering the widest variety of fields of study in Georgia.
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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.
Music Pathway, A.S.
What Is Music? The study of music at Perimeter College helps students develop foundational skills in the classroom and on stage. Led by professional faculty, students learn theory and performance techniques and gain experience in the classical and jazz traditions through solo and ensemble performances. Why Study Music? The guided pathway in Music at Perimeter College has a proven record of preparing students for success in a variety of music-related fields. An artist faculty with a substantial background in performing, conducting, composing and arranging empowers students to critically analyze and effectively perform music of various styles and genres. A rich and varied calendar of recitals and concerts provides them with opportunities to perfect their own performing skills and to experience the skill of faculty and guest artist performers. After completing the requisite coursework, students earn an associate of arts degree and may transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in fields such as music performance, music education, composition, music therapy, arts administration and audio engineering. 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.
Music, Dual B.Mu./M.Mu. Program
Music, Dual B.Mu./M.Mu. Program
The School of Music offers a dual Bachelor of Music and Master of Music program for all Performance concentrations, Jazz Studies, Composition and Piano Pedagogy. The dual-degree opportunity enables 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. The program is designed to take five years to complete. Students must be formally accepted into the dual-degree program by the school and the College of the Arts 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. Through the dual-degree programs, highly talented and qualified students will have the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years. If determined to be qualified by typical admission measures, students can begin taking coursework toward the designated master’s degree program while still completing their final year of bachelor’s work. Admission to the graduate program is provisional, contingent upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree, maintenance of the required 3.5 GPA and performance in the graduate-level courses taken during the bachelor’s degree.
Neuroscience, B.S.
Neuroscience is a dynamic and fast-growing field in science and medicine, exploring how the nervous system produces perceptions, thoughts, emotions and behavior. Neuroscientists address fundamental questions of nervous system function as well as health-related questions that affect society and every aspect of our lives. To answer these questions, neuroscience bridges many disciplines for a full understanding of how the nervous system works. Our students learn about nervous system function from genes and molecules to behavior and cognition. Our program provides breadth in the fundamentals of nervous system function, along with flexibility to explore individual interests. Our students engage in original research inside the classroom, and many of our students gain significant research experience outside of the classroom in the Neuroscience Institute or associate faculty labs. Our program emphasizes professional development instruction and practice to ensure our students are ready for neuroscience-related careers, graduate school or medical school. The B.S. Program in Neuroscience is housed in the Neuroscience Institute, a rare example of an entire academic department devoted to neuroscience education and research. As part of Georgia State’s racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse community, we work to create a welcoming and equitable environment where diverse voices are heard and recognized. We are proud to be a part of the journey of students from underrepresented communities in neuroscience. A diverse science community brings diverse questions and answers to science.
Neuroscience, B.S./M.S.
Neuroscience, B.S./M.S.
The Neuroscience Institute offers a combined bachelor of science and master of science degree in neuroscience, allowing students to save a year of time and tuition as compared to pursuing the degrees separately. This five-year program is for neuroscience undergraduates who are deeply interested in the field and seeking to gain research experience as they prepare for graduate or professional school, or for students looking for additional education in neuroscience to leverage for biomedical-based careers. The first three years match our B.S. in Neuroscience program, with the fourth and fifth years including additional M.S.-level course requirements and research experiences. Students must also produce a thesis or non-thesis project, which is developed in collaboration with a faculty research mentor.
Neuroscience, M.S.
Our stand-alone M.S. Neuroscience degree is offered to students who are seeking graduate training without necessarily planning to pursue a doctoral degree. Students receive training via academic coursework, research, teaching and outreach activities. Our program emphasizes the research aspect of graduate training and so all MS students must either complete a capstone project or successfully conduct and defend an approved thesis. The thesis option is only recommended for students that are interested in eventually pursuing a doctoral degree. Graduate students in the Neuroscience Institute receive interdisciplinary training by working with Core Neuroscience Faculty and more than 50 Associate Faculty from other departments, including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Education, Mathematics, Public Health, Psychology, Philosophy and Physics. Students can obtain training in a wide range of research methodologies, and have the opportunity to teach and attend journal clubs, seminars and distinguished speaker series. Students can train in: behavioral neuroscience and neuroendocrinology, neurogenomics and genetics, neuroimmunology and cardiometabolic diseases, computational neuroscience, neuroethics, and primate behavior and cognition.
Neuroscience, Ph.D.
The Neuroscience Institute is affiliated with multiple departments and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to graduate training. Using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, Neuroscience Institute faculty are engaged in basic research that ranges from molecular, cellular and computational to behavioral neuroscience. Students can obtain training in a wide range of research methodologies, and have the opportunity to teach and attend journal clubs, seminars and distinguished speaker series. Students who earn a Ph.D. also earn an M.S. Neuroscience degree in the process.
Non-degree Licensure Program in Music Education
The total course work typically requires two years of enrollment, including student teaching. For students holding a Bachelor of Music or Master’s degree, and who do not need the instrumental techniques courses, the program typically requires four semesters, about 33 credit hours. For those students holding a Bachelor of Arts degree, the program typically requires six semesters totaling 37+ credit hours. Following assessment of background and proficiencies, the music education faculty will plan a program of study for each admitted student. Admission to the graduate program does not assure admission to the licensure program. The mission of the Georgia State School of Musi ...
Nursing Post-master’s Certificate
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
A post-master’s certificate in nursing allows advanced practice nurses to gain additional expertise in a second (or third) nursing specialty. The post-master’s is available for: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner The post-master’s certificate expands a nurse's career opportunities by increasing knowledge and skill in nursing specialties. *See the curriculum tab below for additional courses required for prerequisites.
Nursing, A.S.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Perimeter College
What Is Nursing? Nursing is an art and a science. It is the art of knowing how to balance knowledge and compassion to give holistic care to individuals, families, groups and communities. As a science, nursing requires a wealth of knowledge and critical-thinking skills necessary to provide safe, effective, culturally competent medical care. The Perimeter College Department of Nursing became an administrative unit of the Georgia State University School of Nursing in 2016. The associate degree path to nursing is now the Georgia State University School of Nursing Associate Degree Program, Perimeter College. The associate degree courses continue to be housed at the same campus locations, and admissions standards and program costs remain the same. For more information on the change, visit the School of Nursing website .
Nursing, B.S. (Traditional option)
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Undergraduate students learn the essentials of nursing care in the classroom and a state-of-the-art simulation lab. They practice skills learned in a wide range of facilities, including hospitals, community settings and clinics, caring for patients after surgery, providing health screenings for pre-school children, administering flu vaccines to adults and caring for new mothers and their babies. The bachelor’s degree program is available for first-time nurses through the traditional and ACE (fast-track) options. For practicing registered nurses with either an associate degree or diploma in nursing, the RN to BS option is the ideal way to earn a bachelor’s degree. Accreditation/Approvals The College of Nursing is fully approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accreditation agency for schools of nursing. See the CCNE website or the Georgia Board of Nursing website for more information.
Nursing, B.S., ACE (fast-track)
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Undergraduate students learn the essentials of nursing care in the classroom and an advanced simulation lab. They practice skills learned in a wide range of facilities, including hospitals, community settings and clinics, caring for patients after surgery, providing health screenings for pre-school children, administering flu vaccines to adults and caring for new mothers and their babies. The bachelor’s degree program is available for first-time nurses through the traditional and Achieving Curriculum Expeditiously (ACE, fast-track) options. The ACE option allows students with degrees in another field or heavy science background in a bachelor’s degree to complete degree requirements more quickly. Accreditation and Approvals The College of Nursing is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accreditation agency for schools of nursing. See the CCNE website or the Georgia Board of Nursing website for more information.
Nursing, M.S.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Expand career horizons with a graduate degree Earning a master’s degree in nursing opens new career avenues for registered nurses and expands their impact on the U.S. healthcare system. The master of science in nursing (M.S.) degree program is a distance-learning program designed with the busy adult learner in mind, preparing graduates to assume a variety of advanced practice registered nurse roles. Students in the master’s program work with expert clinicians and system administrators to prepare for advanced practice nursing roles and leadership positions. The R.N. to M.S. bridge program provides registered nurses with considerable practice experience and an associate degree or diploma from an accredited nursing program a streamlined approach to earn a graduate degree. Candidates must have a minimum of one-year work experience as a registered nurse with two years’ experience preferred. Students applying to the R.N. to M.S. degree program must complete additional prerequisite undergraduate course work* before taking any master’s level nursing courses. *See additional courses required tab below for prerequisites Offering distance learning for the working professional RN Georgia State houses the only nursing college statewide to offer the full spectrum of nursing education from associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees (including D.N.P. and Ph.D.). The Georgia State nursing college in Atlanta offers access to a range of healthcare organizations. A distance learning program, the R.N. to M.S. offers convenience for the working nurse, and as a state research university, Georgia State is an affordable option. Specialty areas in the master’s program, both traditional and R.N. to M.S. include: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nursing, Ph.D.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program prepares nurse scholars in the areas of research, practice and education. Because the Ph.D. program is a research-based doctorate, there is no clinical practice required for the degree. The program is designed for master’s — and bachelor’s — prepared nurses. We also invite D.N.P.-prepared nurses to apply to the Ph.D. program. (For D.N.P.-prepared nurses, course credit may be given for previous coursework.) The Ph.D. degree program in the Georgia State School of Nursing is one of the oldest in the state, beginning in 1986. Our Ph.D. graduates are leaders in nursing science, education, hospital administration and public health. *The Ph.D. program is available for full-time and part-time study and with coursework primarily online. Students attend a few required on-campus sessions; two days fall and spring semesters. The web-based classes are a combination of real-time (synchronous or live) and on-demand (asynchronous) classes. Is a Ph.D. or D.N.P. degree right for me?Â
Nursing, RN to B.S.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
For practicing registered nurses with either an associate degree or diploma in nursing, the R.N. to B.S. option is the ideal way to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many registered nurses who originally completed their nursing programs at the associate degree level are returning to school as employers seek bachelor’s-prepared nurses. Holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing may provide more opportunities within a nurse’s employment place. If a nurse wishes to teach or become an advanced practice nurse, the bachelor’s degree is a stepping stone to a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing. Accreditation and Approvals The College of Nursing is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accreditation agency for nursing schools. See the CCNE website or the Georgia Board of Nursing website for more information.
Nutrition, B.S.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
The Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions offers a bachelor of science degree in Nutrition with concentrations in Nutrition Science and Nutrition and Wellness. The Nutrition Science concentration provides a strong foundation for those interested in positions in applied sciences or for those pursuing pre-professional (medical, dental, occupational therapy, speech pathology and dietetics) studies. After completing the core requirements, students take courses in physiology and nutrition (required for the major) and may take additional courses in nutrition, biology, biochemistry, chemistry and physics (electives). Students interested in eventually pursuing Georgia State’s Coordinated Program, which prepares students to become registered dietitian nutritionists, should choose the Nutrition Science concentration. The Nutrition and Wellness concentration prepares students for entry-level careers in the nutrition, health and wellness fields. After completing the core requirements, students take courses in nutrition and gerontology (required for the major), and may take additional courses in nutrition, psychology, sociology or other approved areas (electives). This program provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the health and nutrition needs of the public over the lifespan and equips students with health communication skills. These skills and this knowledge will help prepare students for positions in nutrition and wellness promotion in government agencies and private industries.
Occupational Therapy, O.T.M.
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
The occupational therapy master's program prepares students to improve human lives through innovations in research, community engagement and education in occupational therapy and rehabilitation in general. The rigor and demands of the program match the need for occupational therapy services in a dynamic healthcare system that is highly technological and global. The scientific study of humans as occupational beings is a central concept of this master's program. This concept is based on the fundamental premise that occupation is an integral part of life and a prerequisite to participation. The program embraces the American Occupational Therapy Association Vision 2025 and focuses on producing leaders who use creative and critical thinking, as well as clinical reasoning with great effectiveness and efficiency. Unique features of the program: Flipped classroom teaching model throughout the curriculum. In a flipped classroom, material is first introduced outside of class – via videos, websites, reading materials, etc. Then skills, that would have been homework in the traditional learning environment are mastered in the classroom with the instructor’s assistance. Research partnerships with local universities and other schools at Georgia State, such as Georgia State's School of Music, Emory and Georgia Tech Community-based learning opportunities working with at-risk and underserved populations, such as refugees, homeless veterans and adults with serious mental illness
Online Learning Design and Development, Graduate Certificate
Our online Learning Design and Development program is for you if you're ready to become an eLearning designer. This online program is designed for individuals interested in working in a wide variety of education, training and development areas such as those found in business, industry, government agencies, the military and nonprofit organizations. This certificate is designed to meet the challenges created by the growing demand for eLearning courses and programs in education sectors and the workplace. The program emphasizes the competencies required to design, develop, facilitate and manage e-learning programs. Through a combination of classroom and practical activities, this program provides participants with the opportunity to design, produce and evaluate eLearning activities that make effective use of best practices and industry standards of development. Ample opportunities are provided for applying the competencies learned in the classroom to job-related situations.
Philosophy Pathway, A.A.
Perimeter College
What Is Philosophy? Philosophy is the study of ideas, such as those about knowledge, truth and the meaning of life. It encourages students to challenge, defend and develop a tolerance for ideas. Why Study Philosophy? Studying philosophy enhances problem-solving capacities, persuasive powers and the ability to understand and express ideas. The study of philosophy provides a valuable preparation for students planning to pursue professional careers such as law, medicine and theology. 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.