University System of Georgia

The University System of Georgia includes 35 state-operated institutions of higher education located throughout the state—four research universities, two regional universities, 13 state universities, seven state colleges, and nine two-year colleges.

The 18-member constitutional Board of Regents governs the system, which has been in operation since 1932. Appointments for seven-year terms of five board members from the state-at-large and one board member from each of the state’s 13 congressional districts are made by the governor, subject to confirmation by the State Senate.

The chairperson, vice chairperson and other board officers are elected by members of the board. The chancellor, who is not a board member, is the board’s chief executive officer and the chief administrative officer of the University System.

Overall, programs and services of the University System are offered through three major components-instruction, public service/continuing education and research.

INSTRUCTION encompasses programs of study leading toward degrees, ranging from the two-year associate level through the doctoral level, and certificates. Each institution determines requirements for admission of students to instructional programs, pursuant to policies of the Board of Regents.

The board, which establishes minimum academic standards, leaves to each institution the prerogative of establishing higher standards. Applications for admission should be addressed in all cases to the institutions.

For students whose goal is a degree beyond the associate level, a Core Curriculum of study for the freshman and sophomore years is in effect at each institution. The Core Curriculum, which facilitates transfer of freshman and sophomore degree credits within the University System, requires 63 semester-credit-hours: 45 in general education and 18 in the student’s chosen major.

PUBLIC SERVICE/CONTINUING EDUCATION encompasses, primarily, non-degree activities, including short courses, seminars, conferences, lectures, and consultative and advisory services. Some college-degree-credit courses of special types are also offered, typically through extension center programs and teacher education consortiums.

RESEARCH encompasses on-campus and off-campus investigations conducted primarily by the universities but also in moderate scope at some of the state universities and senior colleges, for discovery and application of knowledge. Research topics cover a large variety of matters related to the educational objectives of the institutions and to general needs of society.

The policies of the Board of Regents and the administrative actions of the chancellor provide for each institution autonomy of high degree in academic and administrative matters. The executive head of each institution is the president, whose election is recommended by the chancellor and approved by the board. State applications for the University System are registered by, made to and allocated by the Board of Regents. The largest share of state appropriations (52 percent) is allocated by the Board for Instruction.

Matriculation and nonresidential tuition fees for all institutions are set by the board. All resident students pay matriculation fees; out-of-state student pay nonresident tuition in addition to matriculation. Fees for student services and activities are established by each institution, subject to the board’s approval.

Degrees Awarded: A-Associate; B-Bachelor’s; J-Juris Doctor; M-Master’s; S-Specialist in Education; D-Doctor’s

University System of Georgia
270 Washington Street, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

The map below shows the location of the 35 colleges and universities of the University System of Georgia (main campus sites).

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