College of Sciences and Humanities (COSH)

Transforming Ideas into Innovations

With programs in fields like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, History, English, and more, the College of Sciences & Humanities promotes hands-on learning with state-of-the-art resources like the VITAL VR Lab.
The College of Sciences and Humanities

Programs

The College of Sciences and Humanities (COSH) at Savannah State University offers a diverse range of academic programs across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. With departments spanning biology, chemistry, mathematics, history, English, and more, COSH provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and communication. Whether you’re exploring the natural world, analyzing human behavior, or engaging with culture and ideas, COSH prepares students to lead with knowledge, curiosity, and purpose—in the classroom and beyond.

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Meet the Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities

Dr. Teresa Shakespeare leads COSH with a commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and student discovery. Whether in the lab, the field, or the classroom, she supports programs that challenge students to think critically, explore boldly, and engage deeply with the world around them.

Connect with Dr. Shakespeare at 912-358-4444 or [email protected] to learn more about the diverse programs and experiences offered in COSH.
COSH Points of Pride

Trailblazing Academic Programs

SSU Marine Sciences has a significant impact on the diversity in the geosciences. The department is #1 in the nation in producing African American marine science graduates at the undergraduate and master’s levels. While the SSU’s Behavior Analysis program leads the way as the first offered at an HBCU and one of only a few undergraduate degrees in the nation. Estuary is an undergraduate literary magazine and the recipient of the 2025 Associate Writers Program (AWP) Price for Best Undergrad Lit Mag.
COSH Points of Pride

Research-Driven Faculty Leadership

The faculty members in the Biology department maintain a strong research profile, with faculty serving as Directors, Principal Investigators, and Senior Personnel on federally funded grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense (DOD), and Department of Energy (DOE).
COSH Points of Pride

Hands-On Learning Through Modern Technology

The forensic science program is centered in a state-of the-art crime lab and photography lab, including virtual immersive learning, virtual Crime Scene and Blood Spatter Simulation, equipped with high-resolution rotating cameras and microphones, as well as a control and (IRIS) room for viewing and recording.
COSH By The Numbers

A Community of Discovery & Innovation

Explore the numbers that reflect the strength, growth, and impact of the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities. From a growing student body and dedicated faculty to an expanding network of accomplished alumni, these figures represent a community committed to discovery, research, critical thinking, and preparing Tigers to make an impact across science, health, humanities, and beyond.
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Student Enrollment

A growing student body reflects a strong community of students pursuing careers and opportunities across the sciences, health professions, humanities, research, and public service fields.
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Full-Time Faculty

Dedicated full-time faculty bring expertise in research, teaching, and mentorship while helping students build the critical thinking and hands-on experience needed for success across a wide range of disciplines.
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Alumni

Our alumni network reflects the lasting impact of the College of Sciences and Humanities, with graduates making meaningful contributions in healthcare, science, education, research, public service, and communities around the world.
Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Tomikia LeGrande, Class of 2001

Tomikia P. LeGrande, President of Prairie View A&M University, is a 2001 graduate of Savannah State University, and a nationally recognized higher education leader known for her work in student success, strategic planning, and institutional innovation.

A first-generation HBCU graduate, Dr. LeGrande has built a distinguished career centered on expanding access, advancing opportunity, and creating student-focused cultures of care across higher education, continuing to reflect the impact and legacy of Savannah State far beyond campus.

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Classroom to Career

Preparing Students for a Career in STEM

The Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities’s Outreach & Career Development Office (SSU COSH O&CD) delivers services for students and graduates that will impact success in the job market in the STEM disciplines and sustains active learning opportunities and scholarly involvement for SSU COSH undergraduates.

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Student Involvement

Where Future Changemakers Grow

Student involvement is an important part of the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities experience. Through student organizations, honor societies, research opportunities, service initiatives, and leadership experiences, students have the chance to build connections, strengthen career readiness, and engage with a community of future scientists, researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, and changemakers both inside and outside the classroom.

Social Work and Behavioral Sciences Student Organizations

Behavior Analysis Student Association (BASA), Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA), Estuary Creative Writing Club, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Phi Alpha Honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu – International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Social Work Honor Society, Social Workers of Tomorrow (SWOT), and Social Worker Invested in the Future (SWIIF)

Political Science and Public Affairs Student Organizations

Association of Pre-Law Education Students (APLES), Epsilon Pi Phi – National Honor Society, Graduate Association of Public Administrators (GAPA), Model African Union (MAU), Model United Nations (MUN), Political Science Organization, Savannah State Chapter of the Sword and Shield, The Homeland Security & Emergency Management Student Organization, and Tiger Chapter of Epsilon Pi Phi

Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, and Marine Sciences Student Organizations

AMSA- American Medical Student Association, Biology Science Club, Marine Science Club, National Society of Black Women in Medicine, SSU Forensic Science Club, and STEM Volunteer Club

Research in STEM

The COSH research program is organized to enable and support the pursuit of knowledge by faculty and students in all areas of sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Research

Scholarships

Savannah State University has partnered with Federal Funded programs to discover STEM specific scholarships for students pursuing their degrees in Sciences & Technology
View Our Scholarships

VITAL : Virtual Reality (VR)

This center will provide Visual, Immersive and Tangible Applications in Learning (VITAL) for STEM disciplines such as biology, chemistry and forensic science.
Learn More
Marine Sciences

Oceans of Opportunity - Marine Sciences at SSU

Marine Sciences is one of Savannah State Universities most popular academic programs. With the unique connection to Georgia's waterways, SSU has become a leader in Marine Sciences for 30 years.
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College Events

The COSH Experience

Social Work Advocacy & Community Impact Events

Savannah State University Social Work students engage in meaningful, real-world advocacy experiences through annual initiatives like the HUD-required Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and the Savannah Traffick Jam Conference. These events provide opportunities for students to support community outreach, address issues impacting vulnerable populations, and collaborate with local organizations focused on homelessness awareness, human trafficking prevention, education, and social change.

Model UN, Model African Union & Pre-Law Experiences

Savannah State University students participate in impactful annual experiences through Model United Nations, Model African Union, and APLES, including regional and national conferences, the LSAC Conference, and the HBCU Pre-Law Forum. These opportunities help students strengthen leadership, advocacy, diplomacy, and professional development skills while continuing SSU’s legacy of national recognition and success.

Marine Science Research & Outreach Events

Savannah State University Marine Sciences provides students with opportunities to showcase research, engage with the community, and inspire future scientists through semester research seminars, hosting the annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl, and Coast Camp — a summer program introducing K-12 students to marine science exploration and hands-on learning.

Experiential Learning & Research Opportunity-based Events

From hands-on cardiology training through the SSU HEARTSENSE program to student-led research presentations and national conference participation, Savannah State University Biology students gain meaningful experiential learning opportunities throughout the year. Students also participate in annual visits to institutions including Morehouse School of Medicine and the Medical College of Georgia to explore pathways in healthcare, medicine, and biomedical research.

SSU Forensic Science Week & Seminar Series

SSU’s Forensic Science Week and monthly Chemistry & Forensic Science Seminar Series connect students with hands-on learning, research opportunities, and professionals from agencies including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Border Patrol, and regional forensic laboratories while highlighting career, graduate school, and internship pathways in the field.

University Events

Looking for additional events across campus? Explore the full university events calendar below!
Leadership & Industry Insight

COSH Advisory Board Members

The Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities Advisory Board brings together accomplished professionals, researchers, educators, healthcare leaders, and advocates who help strengthen the college’s vision, support student success, and ensure our programs remain connected to the evolving needs of today’s scientific, healthcare, educational, and humanities landscape.

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Meet Our Faculty

Faculty Information

The faculty of the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities are dedicated to preparing the next generation of scholars, researchers, healthcare professionals, and leaders through mentorship, discovery, and hands-on learning experiences. With a commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom, our faculty help create a learning environment grounded in excellence, curiosity, opportunity, and impact.

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Show Your Tiger Pride

Visit the SSU Bookstore

From everyday essentials to your favorite blue and orange gear, the Savannah State University Bookstore has everything you need to represent Tiger Nation in style. Shop apparel, gifts, accessories, and more while showing your Savannah State pride on campus and beyond.
Visit the Bookstore
Support COSH

Invest in Tiger Excellence

Support the next generation of scholars, researchers, healthcare professionals, and changemakers at the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities. Your gift helps create opportunities for student success through scholarships, academic programs, research experiences, and hands-on learning that prepare Tigers to make a lasting impact long after graduation.
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