Georgia State was founded in 1913. It has always held a mission of academic excellence and service to the community, being located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. An extended campus known as the “Alpharetta Center” exists in Alpharetta, Georgia, to serve the North Fulton area of the state.
Georgia State University defines its mission as one of “excellence in teaching, research, and service.” It characterizes itself as “a leading urban university,” and is the second largest in the state.
The University also offers study abroad programs, and has formed a partnership with universities in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia to establish and run the Caucasus School of Business.
Georgia State University
Academics
The nearly 1,000 faculty members at Georgia State keep class sizes small and allow students to interact directly with faculty, maintaining the University’s emphasis on undergraduate education rather than graduate studies or research. There are over 200 fields of study, including accelerated degree programs, honors program, double majors, and independent study. Some of the most reputable programs are in business, social science, history, and computer science.
The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Health & Human Sciences, the College of Law, and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
Bachelor’s degrees (including the Bachelor of Fine Arts) are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including many of the humanities, nursing, early childhood education, recreation, accounting, hospitality administration, economics, and urban policy studies. Undergraduate certificates are awarded in a few fields.
Master’s degrees are awarded in the humanities, health sciences, education, business, economics, and public policy, among others. A number of specialist degrees (Ed.S.) are awarded in the School of Education. An MBA, MSW, and MFA (in creative writing) are also available.
The school awards multiple doctoral degrees, in fields such as applied linguistics, creative writing, nursing, education, accounting, managerial sciences, economics, and public policy. The College of Law offers the J.D. degree and also dual degree programs.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Georgia State University.
The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at GSU is constantly recognized for its outstanding curriculum and national reputation in the fields of economics and public administration. Through the Center, Georgia State offers programs in health and environmental policy, nonprofit studies, fiscal research, and urban studies.
The J. Mack Robinson College of Business is more than 90 years old. Their MBA programs are consistently ranked as some of the best in the nation, and the Executive MBA program has been recognized as one of the world’s best by both BusinessWeek and Financial Times.
Graduate certificates are offered in gerontology, heritage preservation, hydrology, interpretation, Latin American studies, nursing, public health, and several programs in the College of Business and the College of Public Policy.
Georgia State University
Admissions
To be admitted, students must have taken the ACT or SAT exam and have a high school transcript. Essays are recommended and applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.9. The Office of Admissions prefers to receive applications via email or their online application system. A copy of the student’s high school transcript is required, as is a $50 application fee.
Applications to the undergraduate programs are accepted through March 1 for the fall semester, with an application fee of $50. In addition to the application form and fee, students must provide transcripts and test scores. Applications can be submitted on-line. Fewer than a third of freshman applicants are accepted. Minimum high school course requirements include four units of English, four of math, three of science, three of social science, and two of one foreign language. Graduate students must apply directly through the College which they wish to attend, and should contact the College directly for specific requirements in addition to any departmental requirements.
Financial Aid
The majority of scholarships at Georgia State are based on academic performance. The University offers several general scholarships, but by far the most available opportunities are offered through individual schools and colleges. Applicants are encouraged to contact these departments directly, based on their intended field of study, to explore scholarship options.
Georgia State also supports student loan programs, including the most popular Federal Direct Student Loans such as Stafford and PLUS loans. The Perkins Loan is also supported but restricted to students with outstanding financial needs. Also, Georgia State facilitates the search for alternative loans if the support from federal loans does not completely cover a student’s costs.
In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $1684 per semester in 2004-2005. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.
Financial aid is available with a combination of federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Georgia State University 4782nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Georgia scholarships and financial aid
The emphasis on education is very apparent when viewing student activity options at Georgia State: there are only about 100 student organizations to choose from for the 20,000 undergraduates who enroll. Other organizations, managed directly by the University (i.e. drama/theater groups, TV station, etc.) bring the total number of student-affiliated organizations to around 170.
The Georgia State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site or available through inter-library loan. There is a separate Law Library, and a branch library is located at the Alpharetta Center. The main library maintains special collections in southern labor, popular music, women’s collections, Georgia government documentation, the University archives, rare books, and photographs.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Georgia State University?
Georgia State is home to 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate teams. The Panthers competed exclusively in the Atlantic Sun Conference until the 2005 athletic season when they also began competing in the Colonial Athletic Association. Teams include baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track & field for men and basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball for women. Basketball is, by far, the most popular sport on campus. The combined 17 sports teams have swept the All-Sports Championships in men’s and in women’s competition for three of the last five years in their conference.
The athletic program also has a pep band, a cheerleading squad, and a mascot.
Sports facilities include an annex and an arena.
Georgia State University
Traditions
With over 125,000 committed alumni nationwide, Georgia State enjoys a strong alumni base. The Alumni Association is very active in supporting athletics and academics equally, and provides a basis for alumni to keep in touch and involved in the University’s activities.
Local Community
Atlanta is a major metropolitan area with professional football, baseball, and basketball teams. There are also a multitude of arts organizations, including museums, theaters, and galleries to choose from. Students at Georgia State can visit Georgia’s capital or the offices of CNN. Jobs and internships are also plentiful, and many students have no trouble finding work upon graduation.
Familiar with this school? We would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Georgia State University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
11 months agoSummer
I'm a junior in high school and I am beginning to start my college search. I am an African American female. My GPA so far this year has been 3.5 to 4.0. My unweighted and outweighted GPA's are both 3.2. I take the ACT next month. I am involved in BETA club, student government(vice president of the general assembly), community service work, cheer leading, and I am a dance team member. What are my chances of getting accepted into GSU? What is freshman hall like? The food? Can you have a car your first year? I chose GSU to be in my top twenty because it's an urban university,small class sizes,sororities,and mainly because I love the city of Atlanta. Can someone give me the real scoop on this school? PLEASE!
almost 2 years agoAnother GSU student
I go to GSU, I'm a Freshman. I would just like to say that the buildings are pretty nice and the teachers are all friendly and good at what they do. I came here because I was looking for an urban school, but I hate it, mainly just the area and Atlanta itself. This is NOT AT ALL the proper place for an institute of education. People get robbed all the time, there are ZERO fields or trees, basically if you live on campus you spend the whole year in the building you live in. I'm very active, but when I'm not at a party I'm within the walls of The Commons. Not much room for growth, huh? I like the people in the commons, but it is far too strict for a college. Not relaxed or very caring about the students and too worried about kicking people out to move someone into their room to get money. If you don't mind spending the year in your room, but having a great academic portion, you'll love it. Just don't go outside past 6...
almost 3 years agoCarolyn Milner
If someone doesn't want a universal education, don't go to a university. We need to hear all different kinds of opinions and receive all sorts of education, not just want we want to hear. If you don't want to learn, try new things, stay at home or learn only things from your pastor.Every class is an adventure. Idon't always agree with what is taught, so I discuss it with other people. I can make up my own mind.
Georgia State is a urban college, and reflects it's environment.
Like downtown Atlanta, if you dally too long at the yellow light, you miss being able to go, so get your stuff in on time, right? It's not the college's fault for personal late registration. They state their deadlines plainly.
GSU is a good school. I wouldn't like it if there wasn't any controversy.
almost 3 years agorichard nagel mrnagel ((at)) comcast dot net
I heard about your class on sex and quite frankly Iwas shocked! Shame on you for so blatently compromising the integrity of your institution.I would request the dismissal of all involved in the approval of and the teachers involved in the teaching of said classes.A letter shall also be sent to the state senator as well as the local and national news outlets.I am sure I am not alone.And you ask for federal funding?I don't think so.
almost 3 years agoGSU student rco8786 ((at)) gmail dot com
not sure what Cooper is talking about. While I agree with him on his views of the black panther party, I am not sure how it relates to georgia state.
I am graduating this December. Overall, my experience has been enjoyable. Tons of people, tons of diversity, always something to do in Atlanta.
However "disgruntled parent" got it right. The adminstration here is less than adequate. They are either slow, or non-existent when you have a concern/problem that needs to be taken care of. I was supposed to graduate this summer, but because some paperwork was so incredibly slow to make it's way through the system(even though I submitted it 2 weeks before the deadline) I won't be able to graduate until December.
about 3 years agodisgruntled parent cameldog ((at)) yahoo dot com
While the staff and student population of this school is quite friendly and the facilities are welcoming, the administrative staff has much to be desired. We have almost lost insurance on my child twice due to SLOW or NO assistance in getting her enrollment verification. Eventhough GA State is supposed to be on the Student Clearinghouse, we never show up! ...and all of OUR paper work is in order! My child has to take a day off of work to go to the office and get this done!!! I can't believe that it has happend twice!
disgruntled parent
over 3 years agow Cooper paw2302 ((at)) att dot net
You people should be ashamed of yourself allowing a a lawless GANG to use your school to further their propaganda.Do research on the black panther party,They are not a friendly frat house.If you dont believe me, ask the city of Chicago. signed disgusted
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I'm a junior in high school and I am beginning to start my college search. I am an African American female. My GPA so far this year has been 3.5 to 4.0. My unweighted and outweighted GPA's are both 3.2. I take the ACT next month. I am involved in BETA club, student government(vice president of the general assembly), community service work, cheer leading, and I am a dance team member. What are my chances of getting accepted into GSU? What is freshman hall like? The food? Can you have a car your first year? I chose GSU to be in my top twenty because it's an urban university,small class sizes,sororities,and mainly because I love the city of Atlanta. Can someone give me the real scoop on this school? PLEASE!