The minor is designed to prepare students for careers in research, education, industry, and government. If you are a STEM major; you are halfway toward a Mathematics or Statistics minor!

Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, is the study of celestial bodies including planets, stars, galaxies and other entities in space. Astronomers utilize principles in physics to learn about the universe and create theories based on their research. Astronomy majors at Valdosta State University gain knowledge of the fundamental branches of astronomy, including solar system astronomy, astrophysics and observational astronomy. 

Biology is the study of life and living organisms. Biologists study the five principles of biology including cell theory, gene theory, homeostasis, evolution, and energy and thermodynamics. Biology students at Valdosta State University learn the basic principles of biology, along with the latest developments in the biological sciences, and develop the ability to understand and critically analyze biological issues. Students are prepared for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs and for careers in biology-related fields.

Biology is the study of life and living organisms. Biologists study the five principles of biology including cell theory, gene theory, homeostasis, evolution, and energy and thermodynamics. Biology students at Valdosta State University learn the basic principles of biology, along with the latest developments in the biological sciences, and develop the ability to understand and critically analyze biological issues. Students are prepared for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs and for careers in biology-related fields.

Biology is the study of life and living organisms. Biologists study the five principles of biology including cell theory, gene theory, homeostasis, evolution, and energy and thermodynamics. Biology students at Valdosta State University learn the basic principles of biology, along with the latest developments in the biological sciences, and develop the ability to understand and critically analyze biological issues. Students are prepared for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs and for careers in biology-related fields.

A new Minor in Biology will be available starting in fall 2017. The minor requires fifteen hours of upper division biology courses including genetics, ecology and evolution, and eight hours of upper division biology electives.

The Basic Certificate in Data Science is designed to prepare students for careers in research, education, industry, and government. This is a rapidly growing and in-demand career path. If you are currently a STEM major; you may want to consider adding this certificate to your degree.

Chemistry is all about imagining new solutions and solving problems. These skills are relevant in every field, which is why a Minor in Chemistry can be so useful. Chemistry relates to so many fields of science, engineering and mathematics. In addition, the chemical industry employs many graduates with business degrees. A Minor in Chemistry can give you a competitive advantage when applying to nursing school or other post-graduate health science programs.

Chemistry majors study materials and energy at the atomic scale. You’ll apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems, make new materials, and create a better understanding of the world around us. As a chemist, you will contribute to the greater good of society through research and discovery. Graduating students earn a Chemistry BS degree that is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), our most rigorous degree option. You will also prepare yourself for graduate school and a stable, well-paying, and rewarding career in the chemical industry, government research facility, or non-profit organization.

Biochemistry students study chemical reactions and energy in biological systems. You will apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems and create a better understanding of the world around us. You will contribute to the greater good of society through research and discovery. Graduating students earn a Chemistry degree specializing in Biochemistry, certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This is our most rigorous degree option. You will also prepare yourself for graduate school and a stable, well-paying, and rewarding career in the chemical industry, government research facility, or non-profit organization.

Chemistry is a global business worth more than $4 trillion. The chemical sector is responsible for 25% of the U.S. GDP. Chemical companies manufacture products and materials for agricultural, energy, pharmaceutical, electronics, and other industries. While many chemists do work in a laboratory, chemists also contribute to product development, manufacturing, quality control, regulation, sales, and product support. The VSU Chemistry degree with a Business option provides you with skills and knowledge to be a successful chemist and business leader, joining one of the 10,000 chemical companies in the U.S. or starting your own.

Understanding the chemistry of our environment is essential for reducing the impact of pollution and global climate change. Chemists also play a role in industry by designing and manufacturing products that are more environmentally sustainable. As an environmental chemist, you can make chemical reactions more environmentally friendly by improving their efficiency, reducing chemical waste, harnessing alternative sources of energy to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and increasing the use of recyclable materials. In fact, you will learn about a whole field of study called Green Chemistry that addresses these issues. Chemists with these skills are in high demand. If these sound like interesting and rewarding goals, a VSU Chemistry degree with an Environmental option is the right choice for you.

The Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Pre-Dental option prepares you for admission to dental schools in Georgia and across the country, where you can earn a Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) to become a dentist. Dental schools offer other degrees too, such as a doctorate in oral biology, a DMD with a concentration in business, and a doctorate in medicine (MD) with additional training in oral surgery. With a Chemistry Pre-Dental degree, you will problem solve, alleviate patient pain, promote oral health, and contribute to the greater good of society.

The Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Pre-Medical option prepares you for admission to medical schools in Georgia and across the country, where you can earn a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) or Osteopathic Medicine (DO) to become a physician. In medical school, you can study pediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, or other specialties. With a Chemistry Pre-Medical degree, you will problem solve, alleviate patient pain, promote health, and contribute to the greater good of society.

The Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Pre-Optometry option prepares you for admission to optometry schools across the country, where you can earn a Doctorate in Optometry (OD) to become an optometrist. In optometry school, you can study sports vision, vision therapy, neuro-optometry, or other specialties. With a Chemistry Pre-Optometry degree, you will problem solve, improve patients’ vision, promote their health and well-being, and contribute to the greater good of society.

The Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Pre-Pharmacy option prepares you for admission to pharmacy schools in Georgia and across the country, where you can earn a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD) to become a pharmacist. Pre-Pharmacy is one of our most popular degree options because pharmacists are in high demand and enjoy a rewarding career. With a Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy degree, you will problem solve, help patients, promote health, and contribute to the greater good of society.

Chemistry majors study materials and energy at the atomic scale. You’ll apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems, make new materials, and create a better understanding of the world around us. With a Pre-Professional Chemistry degree, you will contribute to the greater good of society by applying your scientific knowledge and skills. You will also prepare yourself for a stable, well-paying, and rewarding career in the chemical industry, government research facility, or non-profit organization.

Every successful scientist can name a teacher who inspired them. That teacher could be you! A VSU Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Pre-Teaching option provides you with a well-rounded education in Chemistry in the classroom and the laboratory. The Pre-Teaching option adds education classes which prepare you for pursuing teacher certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree that you can earn at VSU also. Teaching is a rewarding career that is always in demand, especially for Chemistry graduates. Make a difference every day in the lives of your students by sharing with them your knowledge and passion for Chemistry.

Computational Mathematics is a growing specialization within an applied mathematics program.  If you like computers and math and are interested in pursuing computational and analytic jobs in fields such as computer modeling, logistics, business or financial analysis, and related B.I.G. jobs (Business, Industry, Government) then this track is for you! You will also be prepared to go on to study biomathematics, epidemiology, and related research fields at the graduate level.

Computer scientists and computer information systems professionals use computers to solve problems by programming, analyzing, designing and implementing software systems. They deal with theoretical components related to computers and to issues with hardware. Jobs in the field of computer science and computer information systems are in high demand and graduates in these disciplines are prepared for a variety of positions in the field of science, technology, engineering, education, business and more. The computer science and computer information systems majors at Valdosta State University prepare students to enter the workforce and many students in the program find part-time jobs in the field while they continue their studies.

Computer scientists and computer information systems professionals use computers to solve problems by programming, analyzing, designing and implementing software systems. They deal with theoretical components related to computers and to issues with hardware. Jobs in the field of computer science and computer information systems are in high demand and graduates in these disciplines are prepared for a variety of positions in the field of science, technology, engineering, education, business and more. The computer science and computer information systems majors at Valdosta State University prepare students to enter the workforce and many students in the program find part-time jobs in the field while they continue their studies.

Computer scientists and computer information systems professionals use computers to solve problems by programming, analyzing, designing and implementing software systems. They deal with theoretical components related to computers and to issues with hardware. Jobs in the field of computer science and computer information systems are in high demand and graduates in these disciplines are prepared for a variety of positions in the field of science, technology, engineering, education, business and more. The computer science and computer information systems majors at Valdosta State University prepare students to enter the workforce and many students in the program find part-time jobs in the field while they continue their studies.

The B.S. in Engineering Technology degree with a concentration in Industrial Engineering Technology at VSU is a multi-disciplinary track that involves many lecture-based courses related to engineering, math, statistics, computer science, and business. All senior Engineering Technology students will be required to complete a capstone proposal and project prior to graduation where each student will design and carry-out, in collaboration with a faculty member, a project that reflects the knowledge and skills they have developed while in the program. Course List

A Minor in Geography is available to students of all majors. It consists of two specific core courses (GEOG 1112k and GEOG 1113k) and at least nine hours of upper-division elective courses. Geography is an interdisciplinary field that bridges both natural and social sciences so this Minor complements many other programs at VSU.  Geography teaches a variety of methods to analyze the natural environment and how it is impacted by humans.  Skills honed in this minor add breadth to students’ preparation for employment in the public or private sector or pursuit of graduate education.

A Minor in Geology is available to students of all majors.  This minor consists of two lower-level courses (GEOL 1121k and GEOL 1122k) as well as Mineralogy (GEOL 3101), Petrology (GEOL 3102) and at least three additional upper-division hours in geology.  Geology is the study of Earth’s materials, their composition, how they change over long spans of time, and ways that humans utilize natural resources.  These courses teach a variety of analytic techniques both in the classroom and in the field.  Skills honed in this minor augment students’ preparation for employment in the public or private sector or pursuit of graduate education.

Mathematicians study quantity, distance and space with the goal of problem solving, reasoning, making connections and communicating. They advance knowledge by developing new principles and recognizing previously unknown relationships between existing principles of mathematics. Applied mathematicians use mathematical theories and techniques, including mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve real-world problems in business, government and engineering, and in the areas of physical, life and social sciences.

The Department of Aerospace Studies is the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) detachment at VSU. Students seeking a commission into the active duty Air Force will take classes aimed at developing leadership, fostering teamwork, military history, and understanding the role of the US Air Force in national defense. The academic portion of AFROTC is also open to students who wish to only take the academic component without pursuing a commission.

The Online Minor in Data Science equips students with essential skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, and related computational techniques useful across various disciplines. This program provides a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, preparing graduates to excel in an increasingly data-centric world.

Physics is a foundation science concerned with space, time, matter, energy, gravitation, electromagnetism, light, atoms, nuclei and the fundamental forces of the universe. Famous physicists such as Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton responsible for some of the most profound scientific discoveries in history, and the discipline continues to produce great thinkers who uncover the inner-workings of the universe. The physics program at Valdosta State University helps students achieve their dreams of in the discipline and prepares them for careers in the field and for further graduate studies.