The Avian Biology major at the University of Georgia provides broad training in practical applied science with strong grounding in general biology and chemistry to demonstrate the vital roles that birds play in human society. Students will have excellent opportunities to learn the basic principles of biology associated with reproduction, behavior, physiology, nutrition, diseases, and genetics as they relate to avian species. Courses in areas such as education, environmental protection, resource conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and biomedical research are available and will prepare the student for employment in the trillion dollar global bird industry or admission to professional programs in veterinary medicine, pharmacy, medicine, law, and the biological sciences.
The educational objectives of the Biochemical Engineering program at the University of Georgia are to prepare graduates who (1) achieve a high level of technical expertise, entrepreneurial thinking, and team spirit to recognize, define, and innovate design solutions for biochemical processes; (2) establish themselves as ethically, socially, and culturally perceptive leaders in their profession and community; and (3) pursue life-long learning. The curriculum includes courses in basic sciences, engineering sciences, engineering design, social sciences, and the humanities.
The Horticulture major at UGA educates students in many aspects of plant science including physiology, nutrition, identification, soils, pest control, design, and sustainability. Students tailor their coursework around one of four specializations: 1) Landscape Contracting – ornamental plants and landscape design, installation, and maintenance; 2) General Horticulture – a broader range of study of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and greenhouse crops; 3) Sustainable Food Production – understanding how to grow fruits and vegetables using organic and other sustainable practices; or 4) Horticulture Science – a graduate student track that supplements foundational courses with chemistry, genetics, and statistics.
The Integrated Pest Management certificate provides a broad-based, interdisciplinary educational experience in the three major areas of pest management: Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science.
Health promotion is a behavioral social science that draws from the biological, environmental, psychological, physical, and medical sciences to positively influence health behavior of individuals and communities; living and work conditions that influence health; and prevent disease, disability, and premature death through education-driven voluntary behavior change.
An education in communication studies offers powerful skill sets that go far beyond polishing one's presentation style. These include negotiating conflict, crafting effective arguments and persuasive messages, working constructively within groups, navigating cultural divides, creating effective publicity campaigns, building satisfying personal relationships, and recognizing the channels of communication available to resolve problems. Majors acquire an understanding of both theory and application in these areas, and become familiar with the methods of inquiry and research used by scholars in communication and rhetorical studies. Majors are required to take one introductory class in public speaking and another in interpersonal communication, followed by Empirical Research Methods (COMM 3700) and Rhetorical Criticism (COMM 3300), completing their programs of study with courses in such topics as Interracial Communication, Health Communication, Persuasion, Environmental Communication, Communication and Religion, and Women and U.S. Public Discourse.
Applied and theoretic knowledge of communication processes are the most valuable foundations for any career. Graduates in Communication Studies pursue a wide variety of career options including personnel management, organizational administration, sales, corporate education and training, and public relations in private or public sector organizations. A major in Communication Studies is also excellent preparation for law school, business school, or other professional and graduate training.
Students desiring to practice in the areas of speech-language pathology, audiology, or education of the hearing impaired must obtain full professional credentials and certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission through an accredited master’s or doctorate degree. A master's degree is the entry-level degree for the practice of Speech-Language Pathology and a doctoral degree is the entry-level degree of the practice of Audiology in hospitals, rehabilitation settings, public schools, etc.
The Comparative Literature major provides important skills such as critical thinking, writing, and effective oral communication to help achieve professional goals. Career fields include law, writing, humanities, education, foreign service, and international business, as well as graduate study.
The undergraduate Certificate Program in Computer Systems Engineering is designed to give undergraduates the opportunity to document their educational achievement at the interface of engineering and computer science. The program is open to all UGA undergraduate students, but will be of special interest to those who wish to combine both a theoretical and practical understanding of computer science and engineering systems.
Cognitive science is an emerging new science of mind and intelligence processes in humans, animals, computers, and in the abstract. The field is expected to play a large role in the development of technologies, training, and intervention programs of the twenty-first century and spans a wide variety of disciplines including philosophy, psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, anthropology, linguistics, biology, and education.
Internships allow qualified students to earn academic credit while applying knowledge gained in the classroom to real life experiences. Opportunities include food service, consumer research and product development, and consumer education in a variety of locations and settings.
Dr. Ginnefer Cox is an Assistant Professor in Foods and Nutrition. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Ph.D. in Food Science and Human Nutrition. She is also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Her research projects focus on sensory evaluation and product development, with an emphasis on ingredient reduction (sodium, fat, sugar) and utilizing functional ingredients and value-added foods. Dr. Cox has been awarded over 10 different awards and scholarships within her field over the years.