University of Georgia

The University of Georgia, a four-year land-grant and sea-grant university with state-wide commitments and responsibilities is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. Its motto, “to teach, to serve, and to inquire into the nature of things,” reflects the University’s integral and unique role in the conservation and enhancement of the state’s and nation’s intellectual, cultural and environmental heritage.

With its statewide mission and core characteristics, the University of Georgia endeavors to prepare the University community and the state for full participation in the global society of the twenty-first century. Through its programs and practices, it seeks to foster the understanding of and respect for cultural differences necessary for an enlightened and educated citizenry. It further provides for cultural, ethnic, gender, and racial diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body. The University is committed to preparing the University community to appreciate the critical importance of a quality environment to an interdependent global society.

As a comprehensive land-grant—sea-grant institution, the University of Georgia offers baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral and professional degrees in the arts, humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, agricultural and environmental sciences, business, environmental design, family and consumer sciences, forest resources, journalism and mass communication, education, law, pharmacy, social work, and veterinary medicine.

  • More than 34,000 students pursue undergraduate degrees in 140 major fields of study. While about 79 percent of students enrolled at the University of Georgia are residents of the state, others come from throughout the U.S. and about 127 nations. Women students are in the majority and the University of Georgia has a minority student population of about 17 percent.
  • The university offers 30 master’s degree programs in 124 major fields, and four doctoral degrees in 87 major areas. Professional programs in law, pharmacy and veterinary medicine are offered, as well as 19 specialist degrees in education.
  • Its Honors Program is regarded as one of the best in the United States for academically superior students. U.S. News and World Report magazine ranks UGA 20th among the nation’s top public universities and the Terry College of Business undergraduate program is tied for 27th overall and 17th among public business schools.
  • UGA had an economic impact of more than $2 billion during FY 2010.

Accreditation

Institutional accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental peer review process overseen by the higher education community that assures academic quality, accountability, and continuous improvement of member institutions. Institutional accreditation by a recognized regional accrediting agency qualifies University students to apply for federal financial aid and University researchers to apply for federally funded research grants.

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia.

UGA's most recent reaffirmation of accreditation took place in 2010-2011. Additional information about SACSCOC, including its Principle of Accreditation, are available via the SACSCOC Resources page.

The Office of Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness oversees matters pertaining to the University’s accreditation, including coordination of the reaffirmation processes. For more information, please contact Allan Aycock, Senior Director, at 706-542-9902 or aaycock@uga.edu.

Online Programs