A Vanguard for 21st Century Liberal Arts
Redefining Liberal Arts in a Relevant and Impactful Way for the Global Technological Age
Research and education in the Ivan Allen College bridge the traditional separation between the technological disciplines and the liberal arts. Our interdisciplinary approach links computing, engineering, and science with culturally informed viewpoints and ethically grounded inquiries. From this crossroads, our faculty and students consider the implications of policies and actions in the lives of human beings and create sustainable solutions for a better world.
A Distinguished History Since 1888

Liberal arts have been a part of Georgia Tech since the university first opened its doors in Atlanta in 1888, with English being one of six subjects offered. Those programs have since evolved into the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, housing the School of Economics; the School of History and Sociology; the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs; the School of Literature, Media, and Communication; the School of Modern Languages; and the School of Public Policy.
With eighteen research centers and six schools offering ten bachelors of science, fourteen master’s, and six doctoral degrees, the College proudly carries forward the legacy of visionary Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. (1911 - 2003). Enjoy our 130th anniversary video which showcases the Colleges evolution and strengths.
The Legacies of Ivan Allen Jr.

The College proudly advances Mayor Allen's legacies of transformative urban leadership and socially and ethically conscious action. Our cross-disciplinary research, teaching, and service enlarge upon the very same realms that were part of his original Forward Atlanta plan and, today, encompass: innovative education, global leadership development, international relations, governance and public policy, community relations, economic development and innovation, urban development and sustainability, arts and entertainment, and sports. We are ever deepening and evolving our understanding of these legacies, their interrelationships, and their ongoing impact. It is our hope that by illuminating Mayor Allen's legacies, Georgia Tech students are inspired to leadership that is grounded in courage, compassion, and human justice.
World-Changing Interdisciplinary Research

The College is home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of researchers of science, medicine, technology, and engineering. Our researchers explore issues like the political and cultural influences on the development of indigenous drugs and the role of scientific creativity in international economic development.
As a center for new discoveries in the liberal arts, Ivan Allen College offers a wealth of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research. Faculty and program leadership span an extraordinary range of fields and many are internationally renowned as models for liberal arts education.
Graduates Who Are Influencers and Innovators

Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts graduates excel in critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis, and are particularly distinctive in their abilities to solve complex problems by bridging technological and non-technological realms. Through distinguished careers in academia, business, community, government, international affairs, law, new media, public policy, and technology they are forging new pathways and redefining our future.
Ivan Allen College Rankings
Ranking | Category |
---|---|
#2 |
Best Value Interaction Design: MS in Human-Computer Interaction (MS-HCI) or MS in Digital Media (MS-DM) |
#3 |
Best Game Design Schools in the South |
#3 |
Best Information and Communication Technology Graduate Program (Public Policy/Public Affairs) |
#5 |
Highest Starting Salary among New Graduates in Humanities and Social Sciences |
#9 |
Nationally for M.S in Game Design; B.S. Ranks #10 |
#11 |
Best Energy and Environmental Policy Graduate Program (Public Policy/Public Affairs) |
#14 |
Top School for Game Design |
#20 |
Best Public Policy Analysis and Policy Evaluation Graduate Program (Public Policy/Public Affairs) |
#39 |
Best Graduate Program in Public Affairs |
#72 |
Best Universities for Social Science |
Georgia Tech Rankings
Ranking | Category |
---|---|
#1 |
#1 in Georgia and #12 among all U.S. colleges for best 20-Year Return on Investment |
#3 |
Highest Return on Educational Investment |
#4 |
Most Innovative Schools in U.S. |
#5 |
Top Public Universities |
#8 |
Undergraduate Research / Creative Projects |
#9 |
Best Alumni Network |
#10 |
Best Colleges for Veterans |
#12 |
Senior Capstone Projects |
#20 |
Learning Communities |
#29 |
Best National Universities |
#34 |
Smartest Public College in America |
#40 |
Best Undergraduate Teaching |
#69 |
Global Universities |
Ivan Allen College at a Glance
Fast Facts
- 6 Schools
- 10 Bachelor of Science Degrees
- 13 Masters Degrees
- 6 Doctoral Degrees
Statistics
Blurb / Gallery Set
Enrollment
Totals | Degree Level |
---|---|
787 | Undergraduate Students |
150 | Master's Students |
103 | Doctoral Students |
Students
Ratios | Demographic |
---|---|
46% | Male |
54% | Female |
2:3 | Minority:White |
5:1 | Student:Faculty |
Undergraduates
Ratios | Experience |
---|---|
97% | Retention of Students After First Year (compared to 80% national average for 4-year universities |
40% | Complete Internships |
39% | Conduct Undergraduate Research |
71% | Graduate with International Experience |
$60k | Average Starting Salary |
Faculty
Totals | Qualification |
---|---|
151 | Academic Faculty |
70 | Adjunct Faculty |
27 | Instructional Faculty |
100% | Of Our Academic Faculty Have Ph.D.s |
100% | Of Our Faculty Teach Classes |
Research
Metrics | Investment |
---|---|
18 | Research Centers |
#1 | In Average Research Expenditure per Faculty Member |
#3 | In NSF Research Grants among Technological Universities |
$7.5 M | In Annual Sponsored Research |
Related Pages
Blurb / Gallery Set
What's new in the Ivan Allen College
Latest developments lead by the Ivan Allen College
Redefining traditional humanities and social sciences