Piedmont University

Accounting

Designed to prepare students for a career in the broad field of accounting, including the development of practical accounting skills and an understanding of business operations. The coursework gives students the skills to succeed in the workforce and to pursue further professional and educational credentials.

Applied Health Science

A cross-disciplinary, four-year degree focused on helping individuals achieve optimal health and fitness. It combines the study of biology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, community health and welfare, and disease prevention, preparing graduates for wellness, fitness, and health careers as well as graduate study.

Applied Physics

Physics is the most fundamental science and the basis for most other sciences and engineering disciplines. An applied physics major gains experience in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, fluids, materials, electrical circuits, relativity, and quantum mechanics.

Art (BA)

The art program offers study in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, graphic design and art history. By actively creating and studying works of art in and out of class, students develop visual, creative and analytical skills.

Art (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a studio-intensive art degree offering concentrations in 2-D studio art, 3-D studio art, and graphic design. Students actively create and study works of art, developing visual, creative, and analytical skills in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, graphic design, and art history.

Art Education

Combines studio art foundations and art history with professional education coursework to prepare students to teach art, leading to certification in art (P-12) in the state of Georgia.

Art Therapy

An interdisciplinary major combining studio art foundations with psychology coursework (research methods, human development, counseling, abnormal psychology) to prepare students for careers and graduate study in art therapy.

Athletic Training

A CAATE-accredited integrated BS/MS (3+2) program in which incoming undergraduate students earn both a bachelor's (BS in Exercise and Sport Science or Applied Health Science) and a Master of Science in Athletic Training in five years. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree from another regionally accredited institution may complete the master's in two academic years through a traditional admission route, qualifying to sit for the National Board of Certification exam.

Biology

Biology is the study of life; a basic knowledge of biology is necessary to appreciate how humans function and relate to other living systems and to understand important medical, environmental, and social issues. Common careers include teaching, research, laboratory and health-care work, and foundations for professional training in medicine and related fields.

Biology Education

Prepares students to teach biology in grades 6-12, combining a foundation in the biological sciences with professional education coursework leading to Georgia certification. Biology is the study of life, providing tools to understand important medical, environmental, and social issues.

Business Administration

A liberal arts foundation serves as the base for this major, designed with a global perspective and an entrepreneurial focus. Students explore a broad range of ethical issues that impact society and the corporate world, with concentrations available in business analytics, finance, management, and marketing.

Business Analytics

An undergraduate certificate program developing skills in business analytics, including business analytics, computational thinking in business, advanced business analytics, and production and operations management, plus analytics electives.

Chemistry

The science of chemistry is concerned with the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter and the energy changes that accompany its transformations. The major centers on application and a working knowledge of the scientific method, preparing students for careers in industry, research, education, and graduate study.

Chemistry Education

Combines a foundation in chemistry with professional education coursework to prepare students to teach chemistry in grades 6-12, leading to Georgia certification.

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Provides foundational study in speech, language, and hearing sciences and disorders, emphasizing free electives so students can enrich their program with a related minor or concentration. Students may apply to the university's integrated BS-MS Speech-Language Pathology program.

Computer Science

Computer science deals with the logical and mathematical foundations of computing and how to implement problem solutions as programs. The program covers principles of computing technologies such as algorithm development, database systems, networks, operating systems, and graphics, with an emphasis on mathematical reasoning.

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is the interdisciplinary study of the theory and practice of the police, courts and corrections institutions in the United States. The program reviews the structures, processes and relationships among the segments of the criminal justice system and examines the legal system within a broad social, political and psychological framework.

Drama Education

Prepares students to teach drama and theatre in grades P-12, combining theatre arts training in performance and technical theatre with professional education coursework leading to Georgia certification.

Educational Studies

Focuses on preparing candidates for education-related careers that do not require teacher certification. Candidates explore learning theories, educational philosophies, instructional strategies, and culturally responsive practices, completing a written portfolio and oral presentation capstone.

Elementary Education

Prepares P-5 teacher candidates with the content knowledge and instructional strategies needed to be successful in a 21st century classroom. The program uses a gradual-release course model and a three-internship field model totaling more than 1,000 clinical hours, with a strong focus on literacy development and reading interventions.

Engineering Physics

A dual-degree engineering program in which students admitted as pre-engineering majors complete a Piedmont engineering foundation and capstone plus 30 hours of engineering coursework through the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Engineering Praxis

A dual-degree engineering program in which students admitted as pre-engineering majors complete a Piedmont engineering foundation and capstone plus 30 hours of engineering coursework through the University of North Dakota.

Engineering Science

A dual-degree engineering program in which students admitted as pre-engineering majors complete a Piedmont engineering foundation and capstone plus 30 hours of engineering coursework through Kennesaw State University.

English

Students study literature, English language, and composition, with concentrations available in literary studies and creative writing. Courses explore critical thinking, effective writing, research methods, and the survey of Western and non-Western literature and culture.

English Education

Combines the study of literature, language, and composition with professional education coursework to prepare students to teach English in grades 6-12, leading to Georgia certification.

Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary major addressing the interaction between humans and the environment, including resource management, pollution, and solutions to environmental problems. It combines expertise in the sciences (biology, chemistry, toxicology) with ethics, economics, and social science, preparing students for careers and graduate study in the environmental field.

Exercise and Sport Science

The study of movement and the associated functional responses and adaptations of the human body, providing theoretical foundations for functional assessments, exercise testing, and exercise prescription in healthy and clinical populations. The multidisciplinary program prepares students for careers and graduate programs including physical therapy, athletic training, and medical school.

Film and Documentary Production

Trains students in narrative and documentary filmmaking through coursework in media writing, video and audio production, cinematography, screenwriting, documentary production, and post-production, culminating in a film capstone project.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific principles and methods to assist criminal and civil investigations and litigations, with concentrations in field services and laboratory services. The interdisciplinary major provides a strong background in the biological, physical, and social sciences as the foundation of crime scene investigation and evidence collection and preservation.

Health Care Administration

A broad-based, multidisciplinary degree preparing students to work in a variety of health settings and for graduate education. The health science core includes pathology, pharmacology, health promotion, health policy, and finance, complemented by accounting, economics, and management coursework from the College of Business.

History and Government

The study of history leads to the understanding and appreciation of human heritages, while government is the critical study of classical and modern political theories and institutions. Students choose a history track or a government track and develop historical knowledge and communication skills; the major also serves as pre-law preparation.

History Education

Combines coursework in history and government with professional education coursework to prepare students to teach history/social studies in grades 6-12, leading to Georgia certification.

Human Services Administration

Prepares students for careers in human services, equipping them to lead and manage organizations that serve individuals and communities in need. Grounded in an understanding of human behavior, social justice principles, and organizational management, the program emphasizes ethical leadership and advocacy.

Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)

Allows students to structure their program of study by selecting thematically related courses from three academic disciplines. Students collaborate with advisors to design an individualized major; the theme of the proposed program determines whether the degree is awarded as a bachelor of arts.

Interdisciplinary Studies (BS)

Allows students to structure their program of study by selecting thematically related courses from three academic disciplines. Students collaborate with advisors to design an individualized major; the theme of the proposed program determines whether the degree is awarded as a bachelor of science.

International Studies

An interdisciplinary major examining global political, economic, historical, and cultural systems, combining required coursework in business, political science, history, mass communications, and a modern language sequence.

Mass Communications

Develops students into ethically and technologically adept storytellers with broad-based media skills. The program helps students think critically about the concepts and practices of the mass communications field and prepares them to enter professional practice.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a method of reasoning used to test truths and a science of patterns and relationships. The program develops students' abilities to communicate about natural phenomena, interpret real-world problems through mathematical representations, and draw inferences by reasoning.

Mathematics Education

Combines a foundation in mathematics with professional education coursework to prepare students to teach mathematics in grades 6-12, leading to Georgia certification.

Music

Music study explores the development of this significant art form focusing on fundamentals, analysis, and performance. The Conservatory of Music offers courses in music theory, music history and literature, conducting, and many areas of applied music, with opportunities to participate in performing ensembles.

Musical Theatre

Designed to provide students who have career aspirations in musical theatre with training and experiences in singing, music skills, acting, dancing, directing, and professional practices, combining the study of music and theatre history and theory with practical production experience on stage and backstage.

Music Education

Designed to prepare reflective, scholarly professionals with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve as general music, choral, and instrumental music teachers, leading to certification in music (P-12) in the state of Georgia.

Neuroscience

Provides interdisciplinary training in the basic scientific principles underlying human and nonhuman behavior, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and development. Students gain foundational knowledge of the brain's role in perception, movement, cognition, social behavior, and mental health.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for licensure and professional practice as registered nurses through general education, nursing foundations, and a clinical nursing major. The program is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Philosophy and Religion

Philosophy embodies a passion for understanding by exploring metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory, helping students develop analytic, synthetic, and critical thinking skills. The study of religion involves academic inquiry into the major religions of the world, especially the Bible and Judeo-Christian traditions.

Psychology

Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes, examining the environmental, experiential, and physiological factors that influence behavior. The program cultivates analytical and interpersonal skills that enhance social relationships and are valued by employers.

Sociology

Fosters a holistic understanding of human society and social life, offering perspective on social relationships, processes, and societies. Based on a foundation of theories and methods, the major develops critical, analytical, and research skills and strengthens awareness of social and cultural diversity.

Special Education

The Special Education General Curriculum (P-12) major prepares teacher candidates to serve students with disabilities in general curriculum settings, including coursework in reading, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, assessment, and classroom management, leading to Georgia certification.

Speech-Language Pathology

An integrated BS-MS program in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology in which students earn both a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. CMSD majors apply by February 1 of their junior year, begin graduate coursework in their fourth year, and transition directly into the graduate program.

Sport and Fitness Administration

A branch of health sciences combining the study of the human body with foundational business concepts. Graduates provide clients with health and fitness assessments, skill training, and programming, and are prepared for careers in school, college, and professional sports, wellness facilities, and recreation, as well as graduate study.

Sports Communications

Prepares students for communications careers in the sports industry, combining mass communications production and media theory with sports marketing, sports media writing, and sportscasting coursework.

Theatre Arts

Focuses on rigorous academic training in both performance and technical theatre, with concentrations in acting/directing and in design and technical theatre. The program builds a strong knowledge base across acting, directing, technical theatre, theatre history, and theatre management.