University of Georgia (UGA)

The University of Georgia (UGA) is a highly diversified research university located in Athens, Georgia.  There are many international students at UGA, as well as nationals and locals from within the state of Georgia.

The UGA offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degrees in a broad range of majors including the arts, humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, agricultural and environmental sciences, business, ecology, environmental design, family and consumer sciences forest resources, journalism and mass communication, education, law, pharmacy, public health, social work and veterinary medicine.

There are many continuing education students at UGA, and the university encourages economic and social development as well as community involvement through its experiment stations and programs in public service and technology transfer.

History

Georgia was the first state in the U.S. to charter at state-supported university in 1785. Studying a curriculum of traditional classical studies, the first class graduated in 1804. The curriculum expanded in 1843 to include law, and much later to include agriculture and mechanical arts. Through the years, sixteen colleges and schools were established within the UGA to provide programs in teaching, research and service.  Today, the UGA is part of the University System of Georgia, and governed by the board of regents.

Academics

The UGA follows the semester academic calendar, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

There are 22 bachelor's degrees offered at UGA with concentrations in 140 fields. The university offers 34 master's degrees (124 concentrations), and nearly 20 Educational Specialist degrees.  There are four different doctoral degree designations (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.M.A. and D.P.A.) offered in 91 areas.  Professional degrees at UGA include law, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.

UGA also offers more than 170 Study Abroad or Foreign Exchange programs.

The university's OASIS program allows you to register for classes, view class schedules and student-related information online.

UGA also has several Distance Learning degrees and certificates including a Master of Education in Adult Education and graduate-level certificates in Pharmacy, among others.  The UGA offers "e-Learning" programs in various departments with Web-based classroom materials and an online learning management system. 

Colleges and Schools

The University of Georgia has 16 schools and colleges offering many degree programs, including some interdisciplinary options.

Schools and Colleges at UGA:

• Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• Arts and Sciences
• Business
• Ecology
• Education
• Environment and Design
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Forestry and Natural Resources
• Graduate School
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Law
• Pharmacy
• Public Health
• Public and International Affairs
• Social Work
• Veterinary Medicine

Student Life

UGA requires its first-year students to live on campus through their first academic year to get the complete university experience.  There are many residence halls to choose from among several campus communities: Brumby Community, Creswell Community, East Campus Village, Hill Community, Myers Community, Reed Community and Russell Community.

There are many programs available to UGA students that encourage involvement and participation on campus.  The Office of Multicultural Services and Programs celebrates its diverse population and people of color by promoting student leadership and academic achievement.

UGA has many facilities for student health and recreation, including recreational sports and the GORP program, which offers special excursions in hiking, climbing, riding, rafting sailing, and more, for students of all levels.

The Office of Student Affairs has information about the many student groups, clubs, societies and organizations that students can participate in.

Fraternities and Sororities

There are 59 national fraternities and sororities at UGA, and "Greek Life" has been a strong tradition at the university for more than 150 years. The Greek groups at UGA organize and coordinate many annual events and provide leadership for many educational and community programs.

Traditions

The University of Georgia has a long history of traditions, many of which have been made famous in books and movies.  The school's athletics teams have been named the "Bulldogs" since the school was founded and many news reports about sports games at the UGA have made the Bulldogs high profile.  The UGA mascot bulldog, named "Uga," appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, and in the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Another tradition at the UGA is the ringing of the chapel bell on campus after a Bulldog football team victory. 

There is an Arch located on the Northern section of the University of Georgia campus that freshman were traditionally forbidden to walk under.  Although this tradition is no longer enforced, some freshmen still honor the tradition.

Athletics

The University of Georgia's intercollegiate athletics programs ranks among the top 10 in the U.S.  Its Bulldogs teams have won national championships for the past several years in many sports including women's gymnastics, men's tennis, women's swimming and diving, tennis, equestrian and golf.  The women's basketball team is referred to as "The Georgia Lady Bulldogs."

Intercollegiate Sports at UGA:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Equestrian
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

The University of Georgia's main campus is in Athens, Georgia, and offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees through its 16 schools and colleges.  The UGA also offers many undergraduate and graduate degrees, and continuing education programs through its satellite campuses elsewhere in Georgia:

• UGA Gwinnett Campus
• UGA Griffin Campus
• UGA Tifton Campus
• UGA Terry College of Business

Community Life

Community outreach and service is a large part of the University of Georgia's mission.  The UGA has a long history of service to Georgia, and has many public service programs that allow students to work in communities throughout the state on economic development, K-12 education, leadership, professional education and training, as well as research for state agencies.

The community of Georgia, Athens provides ample opportunities for students to find entertainment and explore. There are many art galleries and music and theatre performances on and off campus. The attractive downtown area of Athens offers numerous shops, restaurants, cafes and taverns, helping to make this one of the "Best College Towns" in the United States.