Frequently Asked Questions
Academics
What is the difference between the liberal arts program at Georgia Tech and liberal arts programs at other colleges and universities? (A)
The liberal arts programs' at Georgia Tech's Ivan Allen College includes the basic strengths of any good liberal arts program, but it offers the Bachelor of Science, not the Bachelor of Arts. The distinction is significant because Ivan Allen College students study topics relating to not only humanities and social sciences, but also science, technology, and computing, and their impacts on society, culture, and public issues. Ivan Allen College is in many ways a small liberal arts college located in the midst of a major technological university, so students acquire both the technical expertise characteristic of the institution's graduates on top of the education found in a "traditional" liberal arts education. This has proven to give our students an advantage in many job markets and in graduate school programs. To see how competitive we are please visit our Comparisons and Statistics page.
How does the liberal arts program "fit in" with the rest of Georgia Tech? (A)
An understanding of science, technology, and computing is essential to a well-rounded education in the 21st century. Either through their coursework or by working in the context of Georgia Tech, IAC students acquire a strong background in many of the "other" areas at Georgia Tech, giving them a distinct advantage in their careers. All Georgia Tech students will graduate with the same core equivalencies. Additionally, IAC professors frequently collaborate with science and engineering faculty in research, bringing their cross-disciplinary expertise into their courses.
What are the math requirements for a liberal arts major at Georgia Tech? (A)
Analytical abilities are a fundamental strength of all Georgia Tech students. To help them develop those skills, all Tech students take at least one semester of calculus or survey of calculus. With the help of their advisors, IAC students select a second math course, either in calculus or in finite math (linear equations, sets, probability and statistics). About half of IAC undergraduates take each path. Some IAC majors require additional math courses targeted for their degrees, such as statistics, modeling, or econometrics. For a complete listing of what courses you will be taking for each major, please visit our Academic Programs page.
What are the admissions requirements as compared to the general admissions requirements for Georgia Tech? (A)
All students admitted to Georgia Tech are judged by the same criteria. IAC students have virtually the same high school GPA and math and verbal SAT scores as all other Tech students. The Admissions Office makes no distinction between IAC and other majors in the admissions process.
Beyond the Classroom
What types of research opportunities are there for liberal arts majors? (B)
Because of the very favorable student-to-faculty ratio, liberal arts students at Tech have many chances to get to know their professors well (and vice versa). This generates many opportunities to hear about potential research projects or to even suggest a research project that you may have to a professor. Your advisor under the "Advising" section will periodically send you opportunities for research throughout your time at Tech. For financial imbursements, many students apply for the President's Undergraduate Research Award, working one-on-one with a professor, usually on a research project largely determined by the students' interests. Additionally, undergraduate students often can choose between receiving academic credit or a stipend for their research activities. For examples of current and future research projects being undertaken by IAC students, please visit our Research Experiences page.
Why should research be important to me? (B)
Research is a prime way to increase your expertise in your major and make yourself more marketable in the workforce and graduate programs. Moreover, participating and contributing to research under a professor's guidance is a fulfilling and significant experience, in that in most research opportunities, your findings will be published for review by the greater academic community. The chance to pursue any topic of interest affords you the opportunity to create your own education at Georgia Tech. For examples of current and future research projects being undertaken by IAC students, please visit our Research Experiences page.
How do employers and graduate schools view the liberal arts program at Georgia Tech? (B)
Every job both in the private sector and the public sector now requires a significant proficiency with technology and computers. As a student with a liberal arts education from a technical institute you are guaranteed a level of technological prowess that makes you that much more attractive to employers and graduate schools. The key here is marketability with a diverse set of skills in analytical thinking and technological skill.
Why should internships be important to me? (B)
It's never too early to be thinking about internships and what they mean to you after college. The internships that you can earn in college will make you that much more marketable to employers and graduate schools. Your experience in the "real world" will give you the competitive edge. The Ivan Allen College has advisors who particularly excel in this area and are committed to helping you find internships that are meaningful and fit your interests. For more information on internships, please visit our Internships page.
Where do Ivan Allen College students intern? (B)
Liberal arts students at Georgia Tech are strongly encouraged to participate in at least two internships with public, private, and not-for-profit organizations. Many have interned with local, state, and national governments such as the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Governor's office, the U.S. Department of State, the CIA, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Others have interned with companies such as CNN, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Bank of America. And others have interned with organizations such as CARE, the Carter Center, and Zoo Atlanta. Liberal arts students can earn academic credit and/or pay for internships. For more information on our internships, please visit the Internships page.
What types of jobs/careers do liberal arts graduates at Georgia Tech go on to have? (B)
Ivan Allen College graduates are prepared for a wide range of jobs and careers. Unlike the engineering and hard sciences where their studies will directly translate into a career field, liberal arts graduates have a more diverse set of options they may pursue. With a firm grounding in critical analysis and technology, IAC majors get jobs with private companies, with government agencies, and in the not-for-profit sector, in fields such as economic development, multimedia design, marketing, policy analysis, public relations, education, political consulting, human resources, and financial advising. Often, the internships, research, and international studies that students participate in lead to an inspiration as to what a graduate wants to do for a career.
What major should I chose if I am going to be a pre-law or pre-med student? (B)
Any major in the Ivan Allen College will prepare you well for law school or medical school. The education that you receive will provide you with the critical thinking skills and work ethic that is necessary for a graduate education. More importantly, as a student, you should be involved in organizations at Tech that can help you explore what being a lawyer or doctor means. In addition, there is a Pre-law minor and certificate housed within the School of Public Policy that is open to any student of any major.
Miscellaneous
What's with all the acronyms? (S)
Great question! One of the first things you'll notice at Georgia Tech is a reflection of the technical nature of the school. We use acronyms and abbreviations for everything. Ivan Allen College becomes "IAC" with each letter enunciated. International Affairs becomes "INTA" spoken as a word ("IN-TAH"). You'll find that almost everything becomes abbreviated or turned into an acronym. As you browse this site, you will notice that some of these acronyms, such as STAC, are underlined. If you hover over them for a moment, you can see what the acronym stands for.
What is student life like for an Ivan Allen College student? (S)
There are over 300 clubs and organizations at Georgia Tech and within the Ivan Allen College. The interests range from college and major-specific organizations such as the Ivan Allen College Student Advisory Board and the MediaTech Club to recreational groups such as GT Skydiving and GT Rugby. We also have media publications such as WREK Radio and the Technique newspaper and Greek life on campus. To find out more check out our Student Life section. Additionally, Georgia Tech is ideally situated in one of the greatest cities in America. Atlanta is a bustling metropolis full of entertainment opportunities such as the Fox Theater, Dad's Garage, the Tabernacle, and the new Atlantic Station. If that doesn't suit you, there are a plethora of concerts, movies, or clubs you can always go to.
What type of student chooses the liberal arts program at Georgia Tech's Ivan Allen College? (S)
IAC students have many talents and interests. Most choose liberal arts at Georgia Tech because they want an education that will encourage them to develop a variety of strengths and prepare for a variety of career choices. They recognize the importance of understanding the interplay of social and human factors with science and technology and want a rigorous education in a setting where they can work closely with their professors and other students. They enjoy analysis and interpretation, but plan to use their abilities to make a difference in the world.
What is the make-up of the student body at Georgia Tech? (S)
Georgia Tech strives to promote and actively recruit a diverse student body. We recognize the advantages of having diversity and as such expect the students to come from differing socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Over 30% of the students at Georgia Tech are minority students, and over 33% of students are from out of state. Additionally, Georgia Tech sponsors on-campus religious student organizations for virtually every religion, from Bahai to Baptist, and Islam to Buddhist.
