Georgia Southern University Course Catalog: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the academic landscape of a university can be daunting, especially for incoming students. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the Georgia Southern University course catalog, covering aspects from core curriculum and degree programs to academic policies and resources.

Understanding the Core Curriculum

The core curriculum at Georgia Southern University ensures that students are exposed to a broad array of subjects and approaches to understanding the world. This exposure is a hallmark of a college education. Georgia Southern utilizes the Core IMPACTS framework, which helps students find meaning in the core through orienting questions and career-ready competencies for each IMPACTS area. Core IMPACTS is composed of 1000- and 2000-level courses in seven areas.

Core IMPACTS Framework

The Core IMPACTS framework guides students in connecting their core courses to real-world applications and career readiness. This framework is integrated into 1000- and 2000-level courses, providing a foundation for further academic pursuits.

Institutional Priority Electives

As part of the core curriculum, students are required to complete an Institutional Priority Elective, which accounts for 3 credit hours.

History Requirement

Students must also fulfill a History requirement, typically involving a 3-credit-hour course.

Arts, Humanities, and Ethics Elective

Another core requirement is an Arts, Humanities, and Ethics Elective, also worth 3 credit hours. Students can choose one class from a list of approved options.

Laboratory Sciences

The curriculum mandates completion of Laboratory Sciences, requiring 8 credit hours. This typically involves choosing two sets of lecture/lab courses from a list of approved options.

STEM Elective

Finally, students must complete a STEM Elective, accounting for 3 credit hours.

Navigating Degree Programs

A major is an academic course of study with specific requirements within an academic department. The major comprises roughly one-half (60 hours) of a degree program. A minor is a secondary area of academic emphasis, usually requiring 15 credit hours beyond introductory course work. Bachelor of Arts degrees require minors. Most other degree programs do not require minors, although students in these fields may elect to earn one. Georgia Southern University offers a wide array of degree programs across various disciplines. These programs are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills for their chosen career paths.

Associate of Arts (AA)

The Associate of Arts degree provides you with a broad, liberal education base in core studies to prepare for upper-level specializations in furthering your study.

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Example: Associate of Arts, Core Curriculum (Hinesville, Online)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degrees

Bachelor of Arts degrees offer a liberal arts education, often requiring a minor.

Anthropology (BA): The Anthropology Bachelor of Arts offers broad training in general anthropology.
Art (BA): Unlock your artistic potential at Georgia Southern University's Department of Art. With our range of undergraduate majors, including Art History and Studio Art, you'll receive guidance from professional artists, broaden your skills, and develop your creative voice.
Biology (BA): The Bachelor of Arts in Biology provides training in biology while also granting the freedom to pursue a typical liberal arts education.
English (BA): Develop your critical thinking and communication skills with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
History (BA): Our faculty are engaging teachers and nationally- and internationally-known scholars in various historical fields.
International Studies (BA): Immerse yourself in global awareness and prepare for a career in international service or business with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Explore a topical focus in either development and sustainability, security and diplomacy or global cultures, paired with an emphasis in a specific foreign language or world region.
Music (BA): With a Bachelor of Arts in Music, you'll build on fundamental competencies in music theory and analysis.
Philosophy (BA): With a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, you'll train in logic and argumentation, building a background in philosophical themes and arguments from ancient times through contemporary theories.
Political Science (BA): Develop your analytical and communication skills in government and politics with your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Theatre (BA): Perform, design and direct theatrical productions while studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.
World Languages & Cultures (BA): The Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Cultures at Georgia Southern University offers robust concentrations in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. With a focus on practical application, students gain valuable skills in translation, interpretation, and international relations.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degrees

Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees focus on intensive study in the visual and performing arts.

Art (BFA): Unleash your creative potential at Georgia Southern University's Department of Art. Choose from our Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in Animation, Art Education and Studio Art. Engage with professional artists and mentors, broaden your skills, and receive comprehensive support to turn your passion into a profession.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degrees

Bachelor of Business Administration degrees provide a foundation in business principles and practices.

Accounting (BBA): The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting builds a strong foundation of knowledge in general business, auditing, law, tax and other accounting-related functions.
Finance (BBA): Design your own curriculum to suit your personal career plans with the Finance BBA degree program.
Information Systems (BBA): In the Information Systems program, you’ll take courses in accounting, economics, business management and programming.
Management (BBA): Your career as a leader begins with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Management.
Supply Chain Management (BBA): The BBA in Supply Chain Management degree from the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Department equips students with problem-solving abilities and expertise in supply chain management. Through foundational courses, we foster critical-thinking skills in business students, including an advanced class in operations and supply chain management for all BBA majors. The program connects education to real-world careers.

Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) Degrees

Bachelor of Health Science degrees offer a broad understanding of health-related fields.

Health Sciences (BHS): The Bachelor of Health Sciences at Georgia Southern University empowers students with a holistic understanding of health, encouraging expertise in applied health sectors.

Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) Degrees

Bachelor of Information Technology degrees focus on the technical aspects of information systems.

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Information Technology - Online (BIT): The Bachelor of Information Technology degree is delivered entirely online as an eMajor degree through a partnership between Georgia Southern University and the University System of Georgia’s eCampus.

Bachelor of Music (BM) Degrees

Bachelor of Music degrees provide intensive training in musical performance and composition.

Music (BM): Georgia Southern University's undergraduate music programs foster professional competencies in performance and composition. Students can specialize in Composition, Instrumental, Keyboard, or Vocal Performance, honing their skills through immersive concert experiences and mentorship.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSCE, BSCpE, BSCons, BSMfgE, BSME) Degrees

These degrees focus on engineering principles and their application to various fields.

Civil Engineering (BSCE): The Civil Engineering program teaches you to solve real-world engineering problems while gaining an appreciation for a more responsible and sustainable future.
Computer Engineering (BSCpE): The B.S.
Construction (BSCons): The B.S. in Construction prepares you to be a leader in the construction industry by developing the analytical, organizational, technical and communication abilities needed to direct construction operations.
Manufacturing Engineering (BSMfgE): With a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering, you'll train to transform materials into products, conducting product design analysis and modification for manufacture.
Mechanical Engineering (BSME): With a B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Education degrees prepare students for careers in teaching.

Health and Physical Education (BSEd): The Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education at Georgia Southern University offers certification and non-certification tracks for students seeking initial P-12 teacher certification or alternative career paths. Combining coursework in major studies, methodology, and professional education, this in-person program includes extensive field experiences. Graduates qualify for Georgia's induction certification upon passing the GACE exam.
Middle Grades Education (BSEd): The Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education at Georgia Southern University equips students for initial middle-grades teacher certification (grades 4-8). Combining major field coursework, academic instruction methodologies, and professional education, this program offers certification and non-certification tracks.
Secondary Education (BSEd): Georgia Southern University's Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education fosters classroom management and curriculum planning skills. This program, offering certification and non-certification tracks, provides practical training in local middle and high schools, emphasizing areas like Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, and Physics.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) Degrees

Information Technology (BSIT): The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology includes a strong IT core and emphasizes hands-on engagement.

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (BSK) Degrees

Exercise Science (BSK): The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Georgia Southern University explores the multifaceted relationship between exercise and the body. This program prepares students for careers in fitness centers, research labs, cardiac rehabilitation, or for pursuing advanced degrees in medicine or rehabilitation sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) Degrees

Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS): The B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degrees

Nursing RN-BSN - Online (BSN): Designed exclusively for currently registered nurses who wish to earn a BSN degree, the online RN-BSN program will advance your nursing career for specialty and leadership positions.

Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) Degrees

Public Health (BSPH): The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Georgia Southern University prepares students to improve community health through prevention strategies and health promotion. The program offers four emphasis areas: Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Global Health, and Community Health Promotion and Education.

Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) Degrees

Radiologic Sciences (BSRS): Georgia Southern University's Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program offers students diverse specializations in the cutting-edge field of medical technology. Concentrations include Cardiovascular Interventional Science, Sonography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiography, and Radiation Therapy.

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degrees

Bachelor of Science degrees offer a focused study in scientific disciplines.

Biochemistry (BS): Particularly suitable for students considering careers in biomedical or pre-health fields, the B.S.
Chemistry (BS): The Chemistry B.S.
Computer Science (BS): Be at the forefront of working with new technologies by earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
Criminal Justice and Criminology (BS): Georgia Southern University's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology prepares students for diverse careers such as law enforcement, data analysis, and digital forensics. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum on crime, its causes, and the justice system, with an emphasis option in cybercrime.
Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design (BS): The B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design at Georgia Southern University offers specialized training in areas like fashion marketing, apparel design, trend forecasting, and more.
Geosciences (BS): The Bachelor of Science in Geosciences offers an in-depth concentrated study of geological sciences.
Human Development and Family Science (BS): Georgia Southern University's B.S. in Human Development & Family Science offers comprehensive education in child and family development.
Interior Architecture and Design (BS): With a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design, you'll build a foundation in traditional and digital art techniques, including using AutoCAD.
Mathematical Sciences (BS): Designed primarily for students wishing to pursue graduate studies in mathematics, the Mathematical Sciences B.S.
Multimedia Journalism (BS): The Multimedia Journalism core curriculum is strongly grounded in the Liberal Arts, while the major courses provide you with a balance of the practical and theoretical aspects of the discipline.
Nutrition and Food Science (BS): Georgia Southern's Nutrition and Food Science B.S. program offers in-depth learning through real-world projects, labs, and internships. The program offers three areas of emphasis: Dietetics, Food Science/Food Systems Administration, and Community Nutrition. Students can also pursue a minor in Nutrition and Food Science.
Physics (BS): The B.S. in Physics offers the opportunity to join world-cl…

History Department Course Structure

The History Department at Georgia Southern University offers a variety of courses covering different time periods, regions, and themes in history. The courses are structured to accommodate students with varying levels of historical knowledge.

Course Numbering System

1000-1999 Level: First- and second-year courses aimed at students with little or no background in historical studies.
2000-2999 Level: Introductory surveys open to non-majors as well as majors, providing overviews of core issues in African, American, Asian, Latin American, Western, and World history.
3000-3999 Level: Upper-division courses generally designed for third- and fourth-year students, covering more specialized topics with greater depth than surveys. These courses do not necessarily require deep background in historical knowledge.
4000-5999 Level: Upper-division courses taken by third- and fourth-year students along with graduate students, and are taught at an advanced level.

Course Schedules

The course schedules show what has been offered in past semesters, the current semester, and what is tentatively expected to be offered in future semesters. Future semester schedules are subject to change in order to fit the needs of the department and may be revised without advance notice. No contract, either expressly or implied, is created by future schedules. To see which courses are being offered in the past, current, and upcoming semesters, click the links below.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Georgia Southern University has several academic policies and procedures that students should be aware of.

Academic Standing

A policy that governs students whose Institutional GPA falls below a 2.0, the GPA necessary for graduation. Students will be placed on Academic Warning, Probation or Suspension based on several factors.

Academic Advising

Each college at Georgia Southern offers specialized advising to help you navigate your academic journey.

Course Descriptions and Prerequisites

Source for information about all of the university degree and program requirements, including course descriptions, prerequisite information, and academic policies and procedures.

Co-requisites

Courses that must be taken together in the same term are co-requisites.

Drop/Add Period

A period at the beginning of each semester during which students are able to drop courses for which they have previously registered and/or add any additional available courses to their schedule. Usually ends on the fourth day of class in a 15-week semester.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A measure of academic performance on a 4-point scale. There are several different kinds of GPA. Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total amount of quality points earned by the total amount of credit hours attempted. If you choose to withdraw from a course before the last day to withdraw without academic penalty, you will not include those hours. Quality points are used to calculate your GPA. To calculate a GPA beyond the one semester, you will have to add up all past quality points and GPA hours from previous semesters. You will divide the quality points by the GPA hours.

Institutional GPA: GPA earned for all non-Learning Support courses taken at Georgia Southern, in all semesters. This GPA is what determines your academic standing and eligibility to enter some degree programs.
Term (or semester) GPA: The GPA you earn in a specific semester. Students make Dean’s List (3.5 or higher) or President’s List (4.0) based on their performance in a specific term. The mean (average) first-semester GPA for traditional first-year students at Georgia Southern is typically between 2.6 and 2.7.
Overall GPA: GPA earned in all post-secondary courses a student takes.
HOPE GPA: The GPA used to determine HOPE eligibility.

Prerequisites

A course that must be satisfactorily completed prior to taking another course. For example, before taking ENGL 1102, a student must first pass (with a minimum grade of C) ENGL 1101.

Registration Access Number (RAN)

A six-digit number allowing a student to register for classes. RANs are issued to students by their academic advisors. They ensure that students have been advised for the term for which they seek to register.

Web Interactive Network at Georgia Southern (WINGS)

“Web Interactive Network at Georgia Southern” is the University’s online student information system.

Withdrawal

Exiting a course after drop/add concludes. When done before the established deadline (roughly the 40th class day of a full semester), students are not assessed an academic penalty, although withdrawing can create significant problems for financial aid and delay graduation. Withdrawing should only be undertaken with the advice of a student’s instructor, academic advisor and financial aid counselor. Beginning in Fall 2018, students may withdraw from a maximum of six courses during their entire undergraduate careers (excluding summers).

Additional Resources

Discover Programs: Discover programs grouped by areas of interest to help you identify the path that best aligns with your passions and career goals.
Minors: Expand your academic experience with a minor that complements your major or explores a new area of interest.

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