Departments
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) offers programs that provide broad-based learning in a variety of subjects to develop critical thinking abilities, communication skills, work experience and community involvement. Highly-qualified professors teach in small classroom settings and encourage creative expression.
The Department of English, Languages, and Cultures includes programs in composition, English language and literature, and world languages and cultures (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish). The department offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in English language and literature, a minor in English, and areas of concentration (15 credit hours) in Spanish or French.
Students in the department have many opportunities to participate in organizations. Examples include "Estuary," a publication that features student art, poetry, and other writings. In addition, the department hosts student organizations in English and Spanish.
The Department of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Wellness houses the Visual and Performing Arts BFA degree program, Music Education and University Bands as well as the Humanities, Philosophy, Speech, and Wellness curriculum. The department offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the holistic development and growth of the conscientious learner. By fostering creative expression and performance, critical thinking and communication, philosophical reflection, ethical responsibility, and practices of healthful living, our department facilitates learning environments that prepare students for an authentic application of artistic, civic-minded, and career-oriented skills.
Offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in one of three areas: print journalism, public relations and advertising, and audio/video production.
The department offers courses in desktop publishing, photojournalism, radio and television production, public relations, non-linear editing, web design, and advertising copy writing. Students will have many opportunities before graduation to develop professional skills. SSU offers a fully functioning television production studio and control room; WHCJ-FM, the university's radio station and Tiger's Roar, SSU's award-winning student newspaper. SSU also offers public relations and advertising experience both in and out of the classroom through internships, volunteer opportunities and classroom projects.
Whether studying political science, homeland security and emergency management, or public administration, the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs (DPSPA) programs prepare students for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, law, and international institutions. Students who have earned their bachelor's degree can continue their education at SSU with the master’s degree in public administration that prepares students to work effectively as managers and leaders in public service organizations.
The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers academic programs in Africana studies, behavior analysis, criminal justice, history, and sociology to prepare students for graduate studies and career goals. These programs include scholarly activities designed to develop historical consciousness, awareness of civic responsibilities, appreciation of cultural diversity, and an understanding of both human behavior and interpersonal relationships. The department promotes the examination of the various issues and opportunities that affect the lives of societal members in Georgia, the nation, and the world.
SSU's bachelor's degree program in social work prepares the student for individual, group, and community level service. The major is structured around four interrelated components: theoretical foundations/intervention strategies, client population/cultural diversity, research/evaluation, and skills development/fieldwork. Savannah State's social work majors put learning into practice. Undergraduate students complete 600 clock hours of field practice.
The fieldwork gives students opportunities to integrate and apply classroom instruction in diverse human service settings under the instruction of approved, agency-based social workers. After earning a bachelor's degree, students can continue at SSU and earn a master's degree in social work.