Georgia Southwestern State University

Accounting

The accounting program is designed to prepare students for the numerous types of positions available in accounting such as public accounting, tax accounting, industry, and government. The program focuses on accounting skills from a base of general and business areas. Leadership, communication, technical, and interpersonal skills will be integrated throughout the accounting and business curriculum.

American Studies

The American Studies program gives students a critical understanding of America through an interdisciplinary framework. It emphasizes the political, cultural, and social structures of the United States through classes in fields such as literature, history, and political science. Students study the United States in a global context by investigating the U.S. role in the world as well as pathways of migration and diaspora.

Art

The BFA degree provides an intensive background in the practice, theory, and history of the visual arts. Professional level training and concentration in art are offered to the student within the content of the baccalaureate degree. The program is designed in the belief that it is sound critical thinking as well as talent or skill that forms the basis of the production of art.

Biology

The biology major prepares the student for advanced study, as well as for employment in a biology related field, upon graduation. The student wishing to conclude formal education with the bachelor's degree in biology may find a career with state or federal governments in health, natural resources and environment, agriculture, or education.

BSN/MSN Leadership

Business Administration

Caregiving Issues and Management

The Caregiving Issues and Management Certificate Program is an online interdisciplinary program designed to foster understanding of the caregiving field through the exploration of the journey of a caregiver, evidenced-based caregiver support programs, vulnerable populations needing caregivers, and culturally appropriate approaches to caregiving.

Chemistry

The chemistry major at Georgia Southwestern State University is flexible. Through the choice of a minor or elective courses, the student may prepare for almost any professional goal and find that the logical and analytical skills developed will be strong assets in any chosen career. Students will have the ability to cater their chemistry degree with three concentrations to choose from — Biochemistry, Forensics, or Professional tracks.

Communication and Emerging Media

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Emerging Media challenges students to understand the social and cultural implications of communication in a constantly changing technological world. The program reflects a commitment to the concept of applied humanities, as the curriculum balances theoretical understanding drawn from media studies, digital media, rhetoric, technical writing, communication, psychology, sociology, and humanities with opportunities for practical application.

Composing Video Game Music

Composing Video Game Music Certificate is designed to provide students with a foundation in the creative process of sound design and composing music for video games. Students will review the elements of musical style, history, and techniques as it relates to video game music.

Computer Science

Computer Science

Computer Science

A computer science degree from GSW offers many technical and non-technical skills that are highly valued by employers, from leadership to programming. The increasing scope of computer science means you have plenty of choices in a wide variety of highly specialized areas. With computer technologies playing an ever-growing role in all aspects of modern life, you're likely to find your computer science skills in high demand across many different industries.

Criminal Justice

The purpose of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program (CJCP) is to provide students with knowledge about America's criminal justice system. The program is interdisciplinary and complementary to existing programs; specifically, students take courses from the Departments of Sociology and Political Science. Completing of the Criminal Justice Program certifies that individuals are familiar with the purpose, function, and operation of the criminal justice system.

Criminal Justice (eMajor Online)

The Bachelor of Science with a major in criminal justice is an online program offered through a Cooperative Academic Arrangement between GSW, Dalton State College, Georgia Highlands College, and the University of West Georgia. This program is specifically designed to meet the needs of adult learners, military students, working adults and returning students seeking degree completion. The B.S.

Digital Media Technology

The primary goal of this certificate is to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the digital design and multimedia industry. The program develops technical skills through practical applications that employ current and emerging standards and technologies in audio-video production, computer interfacing and configuration, human-computer interaction, and mass media.

Education

Elementary Education

The candidate who specializes in Elementary Education has career options in a variety of settings: public and private preschools, agencies, community programs, child care, public schools, and private enterprise. With advanced training, supervisory and administrative positions are available. Candidates who plan to teach in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade (P-5) must enroll in this program to obtain certification.

English

The Bachelor of Arts in English allows considerable flexibility for students to choose their major classes. Students enrolled in the English major take two courses in literary studies, two courses in writing and composition studies, and one course in global cultural competency, along with a variety of major electives.

Entrepreneurship

The online Entrepreneurship Certificate program is designed for both business and non-business students. This program combines entrepreneurship classes with critical business classes to provide skills necessary for success. Students have the opportunity to create business plans, create and analyze financial statements and budgets, devise financing, and overall prepare for their business ventures.

European Union Studies

The certificate in European Union Studies is a collaborative effort of University System of Georgia institutions. The program is open to all institutions and students of the University System, including students of Georgia Southwestern State University, as well as to professionals with an undergraduate degree. The program's purpose is to promote knowledge of the European Union (EU) and certify individuals as competent in the subject area of EU studies.

Exercise Science

This Exercise Science certificate program supports educational development in the growing area of exercise and wellness, providing an overview of current science and an introduction to the foundations of practice in the field. With topics including exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and prescription across a variety of both healthy and clinical populations, this 18-credit-hour program builds a deeper understanding of the body's responses to exercise and training.

Exercise Science

Exercise Science is a broad-reaching degree that prepares students for various health-sciences careers related to health, movement, performance, and rehabilitation.

Financial Technology

The certificate in Financial Technology (FinTech) is a collaborative effort with the Georgia FinTech Academy and Georgia Southwestern State University. FinTech is an online talent development platform developed with Georgia's FinTech industry leaders. Courses and programs designed through the FinTech Academy allow students to access the specialized educational experiences necessary to enter the FinTech sector regardless of geographic location.

General Music

The General Music Certificate is a program that can be completed online or face-to-face. The certificate allows students the opportunity to study music beyond traditional Art music, and provides online students the opportunity to participate in a certificate program. The certificate is open to all students, regardless of major, and may be used in the place of a minor.

Healthcare Informatics

Health Communication

The Health Communication Certificate allows students pursuing a degree in a medical field the opportunity to expand their interpersonal and group communication styles with a variety of different audiences. Student will learn to communicate in crisis situations, in professional spaces, and even expand their marketing abilities. Additionally, different styles and approaches to communication will be emphasized to allow students to gain experience in different professional settings.

Health & Physical Education

The purpose of the Health and Physical Education curriculum is to prepare majors for careers in teaching students at the preschool level through the secondary level and for coaching positions at the middle and secondary level. Completion of degree requirements and successful completion of the GACE Exam lead to certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

History

The disciplines in the Department of History and Political Science focus on humanity in action and in thought as well as humanity's relationship to the earth and the allocation of its resources, historically, at present, and in the future.

Human Resource Management

The BBA degree in HR Management is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for successful entry into Human Resource management positions. The program equips students with the training to enter into careers such as health and safety administration, recruiting and training for profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Information Technology

The Information Technology program at GSW prepares students to learn the basic elements of problem-solving and critical reasoning via programming logic and object-oriented programming techniques, structured programming techniques, and web scripting abilities using current, industry-standard programming and scripting languages. Students will also learn the basics of database design and administration, and the fundamentals of networking and systems administration.

Integrated Studies

This program provides students with an avenue to an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree and a degree completion option for students who have substantial credit hours without attaining a degree. The Bachelor of Integrated Studies consists of 60 hours in the core curriculum conforming to USG and GSW requirements plus the completion of three areas of concentration. Each area of concentration may be satisfied by completing the requirements for a minor or certificate.

Long-Term Care Management

The Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Care Management (LTCM) is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students for various health sciences careers in health, human resources, residential living and rehabilitation. With a scientific foundation, the LTCM program builds the practical and professional skills necessary to succeed in management of healthcare environments and pursue graduate studies in healthcare administration.

Management

The BBA degree in Management is designed to give students objective knowledge and skills development in the major functional areas of management: planning organizing, leading and controlling. The management concentration allows the graduate flexibility in career opportunities, and is an excellent choice for the individual who may want to start his or her own business.

Marketing

The BBA degree in Marketing is designed to stress the importance of creating and maintaining successful relationships with customers. Upon completion of this program, the students will be prepared to begin careers in sales, advertising, planning or self-employment. The program emphasizes the use of analytical and behavioral skills in approaches to market position, consumer behavior, product development, and marketing management.

Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics provides training and instruction for students who wish to prepare for graduate work in mathematics. It requires two of our three, two term courses: Analysis I and II, Modern Algebra I and II, and Topology I and II, making it the broadest, as well as the deepest of our undergraduate mathematics programs.

Media Studies

The Media Studies Certificate is designed to allow students to gain expertise and foundational knowledge in media theories and creating media. Students will focus on the different aspects of media studies including but not limited to gender, social media, audio/visual production, industry, and web design.

Middle Grades Education

Middle Schools serve a student population undergoing physical, intellectual, and psychological changes. Teachers prepared to meet the developmental needs of young adolescents are at the heart of the Middle School. The College of Education's Middle Grades program prepares teachers who understand the nature of the learner, create meaningful learning environments, empower students, collaborate with other teachers, and know the value of caring.

Music

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in music degree offers the student a humanities oriented degree with a concentration in music. Besides stressing a liberal arts foundation, the degree will allow considerable flexibility in selecting electives, languages, and a minor.

Music with Teacher Certification

The Bachelor of Arts in Music with Teacher Certification is an education centered program that prepares students to complete secondary level teacher certification in Music. The education classes in this curriculum essentially function as the minor for the degree. Students take thirty hours of upper level Music courses and twenty-four hours of education courses, exclusive of student teaching. This degree, as do all Music programs, requires two successive classes of a modern language.

Nurse Educator

Nursing

Nursing

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) is a two-year program designed for students wishing to enter the medical field as registered nurses. This program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX exam through hands-on training and rigorous coursework. The ASN program will facilitate educational advancements for LPNs and provide an additional pathway for students wanting to complete a degree in a shorter period of time than a baccalaureate program.

Nursing

The undergraduate program of the School of Nursing (SON) offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates of the BSN programs are prepared to practice in a variety of settings, including acute care facilities and hospitals, public and community health agencies, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, schools, and industries. Baccalaureate education also establishes the basis for further learning in graduate programs.

Political Science

This degree provides the background for careers which need the informed perspective of a liberal arts degree (journalism, public relations, etc.). It is a preparation for career fields which draw more directly on the major field (as legislative aide, political action, community service, etc.). Students develop writing and analytical skills useful in business and professional careers. It is also an appropriate preparation for graduate school and especially for law school.

Pop Music

The Pop Music Certificate is an online program that allows students the opportunity to study music beyond traditional Art music and provides online students the opportunity to participate in a certificate program. The certificate is open to all students, regardless of major, and may be used in the place of a minor. The program does not require co-requisites or prerequisites, students may begin the certificate any semester, and it may be completed in three semesters.

Popular Culture

The Popular Culture Certificate provides students with the opportunity to study the influence of popular culture throughout history and into today. Students will focus on the differences between popular culture and mainstream culture, how popular culture has been created throughout history, and creating popular culture themselves.

Presidential Leadership Certificate

This Presidential Leadership certificate is designed to be completed by students participating in the President Jimmy Carter Leadership program and can be counted as a minor in their degree programs. Through the certificate requirements, students will be led through the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, learning qualities of effective leadership through study and applying those qualities through practicums or focused research.

Psychology

The B.S. degree in psychology is designed to introduce the students to the scientific evaluation of psychological theory and to familiarize them with the application of fundamental principles of behavior and mental processes. It will provide a broad background for those who desire to pursue an advanced degree in the behavioral sciences or those who aspire to a career in social service. The major professional opportunities for a person in the B.S.

Rhetoric

The Rhetoric Certificate is designed to guide students through the meaning-making and culture-creating impact of rhetoric in different varieties. Students will focus on how rhetoric plays a role in persuasive tactics, digital cultures, and even in media texts like digital games.

School Psychology

The School Psychology Certificate provides students with a background in course work relevant to school psychology. Students pursuing a B.S. in Psychology are eligible for this certificate. Obtaining the certificate DOES NOT guarantee acceptance into a graduate program of study, nor licensure of any kind.

Secondary English Education

Georgia Southwestern State University offers programs leading to certification in secondary education in English, History, Political Science, and Mathematics. These programs complement a strong academic background in the teaching field while providing the knowledge, skills, and experiences that are prerequisite to effective instruction. Candidates who plan to teach grades 6-12 must enroll in the appropriate secondary program.

Secondary History Education

Georgia Southwestern State University offers programs leading to certification in secondary education in English, History, Political Science, and Mathematics. These programs complement a strong academic background in the teaching field while providing the knowledge, skills, and experiences that are prerequisite to effective instruction. Candidates who plan to teach grades 6-12 must enroll in the appropriate secondary program.

Secondary Mathematics Education

Georgia Southwestern State University offers programs leading to certification in secondary education in English, History, Political Science, and Mathematics. These programs complement a strong academic background in the teaching field while providing the knowledge, skills, and experiences that are prerequisite to effective instruction. Candidates who plan to teach grades 6-12 must enroll in the appropriate secondary program.

Secondary Political Science Education

Georgia Southwestern State University offers programs leading to certification in secondary education in English, History, Political Science, and Mathematics. These programs complement a strong academic background in the teaching field while providing the knowledge, skills, and experiences that are prerequisite to effective instruction. Candidates who plan to teach grades 6-12 must enroll in the appropriate secondary program.

Social Justice

The Social Justice Certificate explores social issues that challenge humanity worldwide. Through considering the topic of social justice, students will understand the different values, priorities, and beliefs held by communities of people around the globe. Ultimately, students will gain a nuanced understanding of some of the most urgent challenges facing humanity today.

Sociology

The Bachelor of Science degree in sociology is designed to familiarize the student with the structure and functioning of society, to develop greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural groups, to stimulate constructive analysis of sociological patterns, to encourage further research on human social behavior, and to prepare students for productive careers in a wide variety of occupations and professions.

Special Education

Candidates planning to teach individuals with disabilities should enroll in this program leading to certification in Special Education. A degree in Special Education qualifies an individual for professional opportunities in public schools and other settings concerned with meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Sports-Journalism

The Sports-Journalism Certificate is designed to give students a head start on their journalism careers with a particular emphasis in sports communication. The certificate creates the opportunity to gain expertise in creating a variety of journalism-based media texts such as press releases, interviewing skills, and the role of journalism in popular culture today.

Strategic Communication

The Strategic Communication Certificate is designed for students interested in marketing and public relations careers. Students will have the opportunity to gain the foundations in creating marketing media texts, persuasive tactics, social media skills, and web design skills.

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

The Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program is a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding gender and sexuality in history, society, and culture. The program encourages political and social activism and emphasizes the importance of intersectionality as a discourse when discussing gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, and class. The program seeks to challenge the status quo and to empower students to become critical thinkers engaged in the world around them.