Georgia State University

What is the history of Georgia State University?

Georgia State University has a storied past, with its origins dating back to 1913 when it was founded as the Georgia School of Technology’s Evening School of Commerce. Initially established to offer evening classes for students unable to attend daytime courses, the institution expanded in the 1930s to accommodate students from other colleges within the state's university system. Over the years, the school underwent several administrative and name changes, eventually becoming Georgia State University in 1969.

Today, Georgia State University is one of four research universities in the University System of Georgia, serving over 30,000 students each year, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The majority of these students are full-time, and the university has a significant economic impact on Atlanta's economy.

The university has grown not only in terms of its student population but also in its physical presence in downtown Atlanta. In 1982, the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium was transformed into Alumni Hall. In 1993, the former C&S Bank Building, designed by architect Philip Trammell Shutze, was repurposed as the Robinson College of Business. Georgia State University expanded further into the Fairlie-Poplar District in 1996 with the acquisition of the Standard Building, the Haas-Howell Building, and the Rialto Theatre. Most recently, in 2004, the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies was relocated to the former First National Bank Building at Five Points.

Georgia State University comprises eight colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Law, the College of Business, the Honors College, the School of Policy Studies, the School of Public Health, and the School of Nursing and Health Professions. The university maintains a focus on undergraduate education, with relatively small class sizes that allow students to interact directly with faculty members.

The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity" and ranked first in the nation among universities without an engineering, medical, or agricultural school for research expenditures in the 2018 fiscal year. Georgia State University is the most comprehensive public institution in Georgia, offering over 250 degree programs in more than 100 fields of study across 10 academic colleges and schools.

Georgia State University has received recognition for its excellence in teaching, with the Department of History being awarded the Regents' Teaching Excellence Award for a Department or Program. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has also classified the university as a 'Research University/Very High Activity' institution.

The university houses two libraries, the University library and the Law library, which together hold over 4.3 million volumes and serve as a federal document depository. Georgia State University has an annual economic impact on the Atlanta economy of more than $1.4 billion.

Since its inception, Georgia State University has graduated over 227,000 alumni, with an estimated 100,000 alumni currently residing in the metro Atlanta area.

What are the faculties and departments at Georgia State University?

Georgia State University offers a diverse range of faculties and departments to cater to the various fields of study for prospective students. One of the prominent colleges within the university is the College of Arts & Sciences, which encompasses a wide array of departments, from African American Studies to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Another significant college at Georgia State University is the College of Education & Human Development. This college houses departments such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and Middle and Secondary Education, providing students with a strong foundation in educational and human development fields.

The Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University is home to numerous departments, including Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, and Real Estate. Additionally, the college hosts several institutes and schools, such as the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute, Institute for Insight, Institute of Health Administration, and Institute of International Business. The Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Science is also a part of the Robinson College of Business.

Each department within Georgia State University offers a unique set of courses and programs tailored to meet the specific needs of students. These faculties and departments aim to provide a well-rounded education that equips students for their future careers. With such a wide variety of departments and programs available, prospective students have the opportunity to explore their interests and passions while acquiring valuable knowledge and skills. Overall, Georgia State University's faculties and departments present a comprehensive and diverse educational experience for its students.

What is the location of Georgia State University?

Georgia State University is situated in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, in the southern region of the United States. The campus can be found in an urban setting in downtown Atlanta at 33 Gilmer Street, with the ZIP code 30302-3083. This central location makes it easily accessible for students, as shuttle services are available from nearby parking areas.

The university is in close proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is convenient for students traveling from afar.

What is the mission and vision of Georgia State University?

Georgia State University is a proactive public research institution dedicated to transforming students' lives, expanding the frontiers of knowledge, and fortifying the workforce of the future. The university is committed to providing exceptional education and support to students from diverse backgrounds, boasting one of the most varied student populations in the country. Georgia State University prepares students for professional careers, cultivates future leaders, and equips citizens for lifelong learning by offering educational opportunities at graduate, baccalaureate, associate, and certificate levels.

The university's scholarship and research endeavors focus on addressing complex issues, from fundamental questions about the universe to pressing challenges of modern society. The academic and artistic work of Georgia State University's faculty generates new knowledge, broadens the scope of imagination, and enriches student learning experiences. The institution's location in the Atlanta metropolitan area allows for unparalleled experiential learning opportunities and supports faculty efforts in addressing the challenges of an increasingly urbanized nation and world.

The Honors College at Georgia State University aims to involve a diverse and talented community of undergraduate scholars in experiences that set them up for a lifetime of success. The college aspires to become a national exemplar for public university Honors Colleges by nurturing undergraduate scholars into global citizens whose achievements and contributions to society are acknowledged through prestigious fellowships, scholarships, and awards throughout their lives.

The Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University strives to translate research findings into sustainable community practices that promote independent, self-determined, inclusive, and productive lives for individuals with disabilities and their families. The center envisions a Georgia where all people, regardless of disability, urban or rural residence, race, or ethnicity, are fully engaged and contributing members of their communities. The center aims to serve as a bridge between the academic and disability communities, fostering and maintaining mutually respectful partnerships, and cultivating a legacy of leaders.

What is the accreditation of Georgia State University?

Georgia State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which enables the institution to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, doctorate, and certificate programs. In 2019, the university's SACSCOC accreditation was reaffirmed, ensuring its continued recognition as a reputable institution of higher learning.

In addition to the SACSCOC accreditation, the Georgia State University School of Public Health has maintained continuous accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 2016. This accreditation is valid through December 31, 2028. The CEPH accreditation serves as an assurance to the public that the School of Public Health meets the most current standards established by the public health profession in various areas, including instruction, research, service, governance, and administration. Prospective students can be confident in the quality of education offered at Georgia State University, knowing that it adheres to these rigorous standards.