Degrees & Majors

Actuaries have been called financial architects and social mathematicians because of their unique blend of analytical and business skills in the insurance and financial services industries. They serve as consultants in firms that specialize in employee benefits and pensions, in the government sector, and in a variety of other roles. To be recognized as a qualified actuary, a person should become a member of the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society. Membership is obtained by passing a series of examinations. Completion of Robinson’s actuarial science program greatly enhances the possibility of passing those exams.

Check out our cost calculator or visit Student Financial Services for information on estimated costs.

The Master of Science degree program in Applied Statistics focuses on applications of statistics to the solution of functional problems in business, engineering, medicine, applied sciences, and other fields. It includes instruction in statistical techniques such as inference, probability theory, regression analysis, descriptive statistics, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo method, Bayesian statistics, non-parametric statistics, sampling theory, and statistical computing. The program builds critical thinking and real-world problems solving skills in data analysis and empirical research. Our applied statistics graduates are expected to find jobs as statisticians, biostatisticians, data scientists, and data analysts in healthcare, finance, industry, government, academia, and other fields.

The M.S. degree in Applied Statistics is offered with no concentration, or with one of the following concentrations: biostatistics and statistics and allied field.

• No Concentration
• Concentration in Biostatistics
• Concentration in Statistics and Allied Field

Astronomers at Georgia State are involved in four main areas of research:

Black Holes and Active Galaxies:  Monster black holes, with masses that are a million to a billion times more than our Sun, live at the centers of most galaxies. We specialize in observational studies of these massive compact monsters to measure their masses, study the accretion process and understand their effects on their host galaxy.

Stars and Extrasolar Planets:  Stars are the beacons of the universe, and it is around stars that planets are formed and that life may exist. Using ground and space-based facilities, we are creating the most detailed maps to date of the distances, distribution and space motions of stars nearby, and in our galaxy.  We use the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array to measure the properties of stars in exquisite detail and test the predictions of how stars evolve.  We are also leading searches for exoplanets around young and nearby stars.

Solar Physics:  The solar wind consists of charged particles streaming away from the surface of the Sun at high velocities. Occasionally, energetic events release million-degree plasma into space in a process called a solar flare. The solar wind and solar flares are the key influence on space weather, and ultimately space climate and Earth.  We are developing data-mining techniques to predict solar flares and solar eruptions, and developing computational models of coronal loops and magnetic reconnection. We develop simulations of the plasma flows deep inside of stars that ultimately produce their magnetic fields via the dynamo mechanism. We test theoretical models of the Sun’s interior by observing oscillation of its surface, an area called helioseismology.

High Angular Resolution Imaging:  Georgia State owns and operates the CHARA Array, the world’s highest resolution optical interferometer.  This facility is able to image the surfaces of stars, revealing for the first time temperature variations across their surface caused by star spots and rapid rotation.  We develop techniques for image restoration/reconstruction when observed with interferometric techniques, and for ultra high-resolution imaging done through strong turbulence in the atmosphere.

Georgia State University’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) concentration in Data Science and Geographic Information Science offers students the opportunity to explore how data and location-based technologies intersect to address real-world challenges.

This interdisciplinary program integrates data science and geographic information systems (GIS) to develop expertise in location intelligence – the use of spatial data to reveal patterns, relationships, and trends. The curriculum prepares students to apply spatial data and analytical techniques in domains such as urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, transportation and geospatial applications in logistics and commerce.

Whether pursuing graduate studies or entering the workforce, students in this program will be equipped with the skills needed to analyze and interpret spatial data, apply location intelligence and contribute to data-driven solutions across a range of fields.

Earning an M.S. degree in biology can be a stepping stone to a career in the biosciences or in preparation for a professional degree. Georgia State’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Biological Sciences is designed to offer a flexible program to suit students with a wide variety of interests in biology. In addition to the general program, concentrations are offered in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Research.

Students may apply under a specific area/concentration, though a concentration is not required. Upon admission, a master’s student is assumed to be non-thesis until acceptance into the thesis option. The non-thesis program emphasizes coursework, and a capstone paper or project is required. The capstone can either be literature-based or laboratory-based.

The thesis option emphasizes research. Acceptance into the thesis option requires approval of a thesis proposal. Completion of the thesis option requires an approved thesis as well as a successful defense of the thesis. The thesis option is only recommended for students who are planning to pursue a Ph.D.

For information about the M.S. in Medical Sciences in Biology program, which is designed for students who plan to apply to medical school, go to https://cas.gsu.edu/program/medical-sciences-in-biology-ms/.

What Is Biology?

Biology is the science of life, from simple bacteria to complicated organisms. Biologists pursue a wide range of interests, among them researching diseases, exploring the evolution of organisms, modeling the complexity of ecosystems and examining the distribution of living organisms.

Why Study Biology?

Why do people get old and die? Why do seeds grow up, not down? How does injecting someone with a virus prevent them from catching it? Biologists learn the answers. Students of biology develop an understanding of how living things work and affect each other. They work to answer new questions about the natural world, whether it is about environmental impact or human health and well-being. Will building a new dam destroy a rare flower or increase populations of parasites? Where did the latest Salmonella outbreak originate? Why are some cancers resistant to chemotherapy? How do we make a vaccine for AIDS? Biologists perform research to discover answers to these questions, apply their research and teach the discoveries to a new generation.

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.

Want to strengthen your applications for professional school while also saving both time and money? An accelerated course of study might be for you.

This dual degree program offers the B.S.in Biology in the College of Arts & Sciences and an M.S. in Health Sciences (concentration in Nutrition) in The Lewis College. Highly talented and qualified students will have the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years, saving time and tuition expenses.

Participants have the opportunity to complete all general education and pre-concentration requirements for a Biology B.S. in three and a half years. If qualified for admission into The Lewis College, students can begin taking coursework toward the M.S. in Health Sciences while completing their final year of bachelor’s work. Several graduate courses will substitute for undergraduate courses resulting in a reduction of nine (9) credit hours to complete both degrees.

You can save a year of time and tuition money, all while preparing for the medical school application process through Georgia State University’s Dual Degree program offering a bachelor’s degree in Biology and master’s in Medical Sciences in Biology (MBMS). Dual Degree (4+1 ) programs allow qualified students to count credits in their senior year toward their graduate degree as well.

Graduates of our MBMS program are well prepared for the medical school application process with a 90 percent acceptance rate for the first three cohorts in the program.