Criminal Justice majors study the structure and function of the criminal justice system as it applies to adults and juveniles, focusing on criminal laws on the federal, state, and local level and how they relate to the Constitution of the United States.  Criminal justice students at Valdosta State University study various theories of criminology, learn how to apply scientific research techniques and related statistical techniques to the study of crime and examine how criminal law is applied in the various components of the criminal justice system.

English majors are good writers and effective communicators and possess the ability to process complex ideas and understand and successfully communicate with others. The English program at Valdosta State University builds upon the basic knowledge, skills and values provided by the core curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers and for graduate study in numerous fields.

English majors are good writers and effective communicators and possess the ability to process complex ideas and understand and successfully communicate with others. The English program at Valdosta State University builds upon the basic knowledge, skills and values provided by the core curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers and for graduate study in numerous fields.

Combining a content-rich Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a clinical-based Bachelor of Science in Education degree equips graduates with literary knowledge and writing expertise as well as extensive experience teaching in schools under the guidance of professional educators.

The certificate in European Union Studies is operated under the supervision of the European Council of the University System of Georgia. The program is open to all institutions and students of the University System as well as to professionals with an undergraduate degree. The program’s purpose is to promote knowledge of the European Union (EU) and certify individuals as competent in the subject area of EU studies. Since the EU is the most important economic and political partner of the United States, this certification demonstrates valuable professional expertise to potential employers. For students in the academic track, the interdisciplinary certificate can be earned as a supplement to any conventional undergraduate degree. The certificate can be earned fully online or by taking approved traditional classroom courses, or with a combination of traditional and online courses.

French is the second most spoken language in the European Union and the seventh worldwide with more than 230 million native and non-native speakers.  It is the official language of 29 countries throughout the globe. College graduates who are proficient in French and who have a deep understanding of the richness and diversity of French and Francophone cultures have many advantages in the workforce and can pursue careers in education, humanities-related fields, fashion, and business, to name just a few.

History is the study of past events, people and eras. The discipline involves research, reading and writing, with an emphasis on interpreting and analyzing information. The history program at Valdosta State University is a good choice for students interested in the discipline who want to broaden their educational horizons and prepare for a number of careers or graduate school.

Combining a content-rich Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a clinical-based Bachelor of Science in Education degree equips graduates with historical knowledge and analytical expertise as well as extensive experience teaching in schools under the guidance of professional educators.

Interdisciplinary Studies is a program which allows you, the student, to be in control of designing your educational program. The degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, is comprised of two or three academic Areas of Emphasis (21 credit hours each or 15 credit hours each, respectively). You may choose from any discipline offered as a major or minor at VSU. Within each Area of Emphasis, you may use a maximum of one lower level course (1000-2000); the remaining courses must be upper level (3000-4000) and all must have a grade of "C" or better.

This institutional certificate allows Journalism and Mass Media students to develop skills and cross-training in the areas, providing opportunities for greater employability and professional development. To complete, Mass Media majors or minors are required to take 3 Journalism courses; English majors with a Journalism emphasis must take 3 Mass Media courses.

The development of the understanding of at least one culture other than their own and communicative proficiency in the language of that culture is an essential element in the educational preparation for citizens who live in the global society of the 21st century. Courses in Latin American studies are offered in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and focus on the acquisition of language skills and cultural knowledge that enable individuals to live or travel in a society where the language is spoken. Additionally, second language skills and cultural knowledge are advantageous to those who plan to pursue careers in business, health-related fields, social service and education agencies, law and law enforcement, and science- or humanities-related fields at home or abroad.

Political science is the study of systems of government, politics, political behavior and public policies. Political scientists study the stages of government, the process by which political decisions are made and various matters that affect government behavior. Political science students at Valdosta State University focus on subfields of the discipline, including the American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political theory, public law and public administration.

Psychologists study the human mind, exploring a variety of interesting questions that explain human behavior and responses. Psychologists do research and conduct studies, make observations, and help others understand and improve or modify their behaviors. Students in the psychology program at Valdosta State University focus on areas including learning, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, mental disorders and the ways in which individual preferences are inherited or shaped by environment

Psychologists study the human mind, exploring a variety of interesting questions that explain human behavior and responses. Psychologists do research and conduct studies, make observations, and help others understand and improve or modify their behaviors. Students in the psychology program at Valdosta State University focus on areas including learning, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, mental disorders and the ways in which individual preferences are inherited or shaped by the environment.

The Public Administration Graduate Certificate Program is ideal for those interested in reinvigorating careers in government, non-profits, or non-government organizations (NGOs). Coursework provides the skills and qualifications that focus on essential leadership, management, finance, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills and designed for those unsure about a long-term commitment to a full graduate program. Students take a two core courses and two elective courses depending on the certificate desired.

Sociology is a social science that involves the study of human society. It’s an expansive discipline, encompassing a range of research areas and potential careers. Broadly, sociologists examine how societies and social institutions maintain cohesion and a sense of collectivity, and how individuals and groups organize collectively to create social change. They do this through pairing theoretical arguments with empirical data. The graduate program focuses on applied sociology, a field in which sociological knowledge is used to analyze real-world situations. Students in the program will learn to skillfully design their own research studies. To do this, they will collect and analyze original data collected through surveys, interviews, and observations, or, they will systematically examine human-created content, such as written documents or online discussion forums. Students will also further develop skills in analyzing and interpreting existing data, such as from the Census Bureau, the General Social Survey, or the World Values Survey. Students have the opportunity to take a diversity of graduate courses, from those examining the role of race, class, and gender in shaping access to societal resources and inequality, to environmental sociology, sociology of law, sociology of the family, and sociology of religion.

Spanish, a Romance language, is the primary language of Spain, Mexico, and most countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is the second most spoken language worldwide as well as in the United States. Fluency in Spanish is an invaluable tool for those living and working in the United States and abroad. Valdosta State University students who are proficient in Spanish have numerous advantages in the workforce and can pursue a number of careers in areas such as teaching, translation and interpretation, health care, social services, law and law enforcement, and more.