Degrees & Majors

Georgia State's Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.s.) helps students become familiar with and capable of contributing to ongoing debates about the nature of good political and economic institutions, as well as the policies and practices that are best suited for creating and sustaining them. Students will develop the intellectual skills of the social scientist, who seeks to understand how the social world operates, and the moral philosopher, who seeks to critically evaluate the social world in relation to how it ought to be.

This interdisciplinary program makes use of the analytically rigorous tools of its three disciplines to promote serious thought about practical issues, allowing students to delve deep into moral, social, political and economic issues. This program is great for pre-law students preparing for law school and a career in law.

PPE graduates contribute intelligently to public dialogue, many in positions of power in government and corporate life. The PPE program supports the Civil Discourse Forum, a student group that encourages discussion of controversial issues and is often led by PPE students.

To learn more about our program's faculty, events and related resources, go to the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics homepage.

Physics is the cornerstone of understanding of how things work at the most fundamental level. In the Bachelor of Science physics program at Georgia State University, students delve into the building blocks and mechanics of our reality, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. Physics majors learn how to apply these fundamental principles to a wide array of phenomena and processes.

Enrolling in our physics program means not just learning about the universe but also developing crucial skills such as critical and analytical thinking, advanced problem-solving and proficiency in mathematical and computational tools. These skills are indispensable in both scientific research and real-world applications.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers a variety of concentrations within the B.S. in physics degree program, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals:

• Applied Physics
• Astronomy
• Pre-Medicine
• Biophysics
• Geology
• Computer Science
• Education

The standard program with no concentration is recommended for students aiming to pursue graduate studies in physics.

Physics is the cornerstone of understanding how things work at the most fundamental level. In the Physics Ph.D. program at Georgia State University, students delve into the building blocks and mechanics of our reality, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. Physics majors learn how to apply these fundamental principles to a wide array of phenomena and processes.

Enrolling in our physics program means not just learning about the universe but also developing crucial skills such as critical and analytical thinking, advanced problem-solving and proficiency in mathematical and computational tools. These skills are indispensable in both scientific research and real-world applications.

The department’s goal is to deliver high-quality instructional programs at the graduate level to prepare students for productive careers in academia, industry and engineering. The emphasis of the graduate program is the training of physicists.

Physicists at Georgia State are involved in five main areas of research:

•   Atomic physics
•   Biophysics
•   Condensed matter physics
•   Neurophysics
•   Nuclear Physics

For more information on physics research at Georgia State, visit the department website.

This program is geared towards students who want a deep foundation in the scholarship of political science. It can be taken as a terminal degree for someone seeking a career in government, politics, law or a related field, or it can be taken as the first step to a doctorate. Unlike our professional politics and educator concentrations, this M.A. focuses more on developing a student’s independent research.

The Political Science master's degree program  offers a choice of four concentrations:

• General Political Science
• American Politics
• International and Comparative Politics
• Public Law

Students with an interest in quantitative methods also have the option of choosing an advanced methods track.

The degree is taught primarily in person through small seminars, but students also have the option of taking some of their courses online. All courses are taught by full-time faculty and emphasize interaction among students and professors.

The Political Science Department at Georgia State University offers an M.A. concentration in Professional Politics which can be completed fully online, fully in-person, or with a mix of the two.

• Degree can be completed during six minimesters. Each minimester is seven-weeks long, meaning the program can be completed in just 15 months.

• All courses are taught by full-time faculty and emphasize interaction among students and professors.

This concentration provides the professional skills needed by those pursuing career paths in public service and politics. It is offered as a terminal degree with a non-thesis option and can be undertaken in a traditional classroom setting, fully online, or hybridized.

Students with an interest in quantitative methods also have the option of choosing an advanced methods track.

Any questions can be directed to the M.A. Program Director, Dr. Charles Hankla, at [email protected].