School Details
The University of West Georgia is a public university in Carrolton, Georgia, a town located 45 miles from Atlanta. UWG was founded in 1906 and is situated on a 645-acre rural campus. UWG originally began as the Fourth District Agricultural and Mechanical School. It changed its name to West Georgia College in 1933, when it became a two-year college, and in 1957 it became a four-year academic institution. UWG is currently a charter member of the University System of Georgia.
Academic programs are offered at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels, leading to bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs. UWG’s programs have a liberal arts foundation and provide knowledge that is needed to foster the intellectual growth of students, which will enable them to become socially and personally responsible members of society. UWG offers online programs to students that require a flexible schedule, and who are not able to attend UWG classes that are held in the traditional classroom environment. UWG Online offers core classes and degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These online programs meet the same high academic standards as traditional on-campus programs.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of West Georgia is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
You can learn from the distinguished faculty, as artist-teachers, in the Master of Music in Music Education from UWG. This online music master’s program prides itself on faculty with vast-reaching reputations in teaching, research, performance, and creative activities.
The online music education graduate program appeals to those seeking progressive training in music education. Graduates use their degree for such reasons as:
- To qualify for Georgia PSC-5 music teaching certification
- In preparation for doctoral studies
- For higher education teaching positions
Business
The Organizational Leadership degree online allows flexible options to complete your degree and gain applicable skills. From small business to corporations, from non-profits to private industry, you will have the opportunity to increase your know-how in leadership, management, communication and decision-making.
Choose from various concentrations:
- Health Care Administration
- Office Administration and Technology
- Public Service
- Social Justice
This consortium program is offered with other institutions through eMajor of the University System of Georgia. Apply to your institution of choice and complete your degree.
- Fort Valley State University
- Albany State University
- Dalton State College
- Atlanta Metropolitan State College
- University of West Georgia (select concentrations offered)
This online master's degree in public administration is ideal for those already working in public service professions or those who wish to go into nonprofit or government work. The program requirements consist of core classes plus electives to customize the degree based on the students' goals in interests. Core classes include topics such as:
- Public budgeting
- Public policy and analysis
- Administrative law and procedures
By gaining knowledge of leadership theory and practice, plus ethics, democracy, and constitutional principles, graduates learn to make sound decisions and be strong leaders. The public administration master's degree online is designed to augment skills of those who already work in public administration. Those who do not currently hold a job in this field take an internship to provide hands-on experience.
This is a sports management master's degree online that provides advanced skills in the field of sports and athletics. Students have the option of concentrating in Intercollegiate Athletic Management or Sports Analytics.
The Intercollegiate Athletic Management concentration explores the relationship between higher education and college athletics plus managing the student-athlete. Fundraising and development are also topics within this concentration.
The Sports Analytics concentration teaches data science, statistics, quantitative analysis, and how to create predictive models. Students learn how to make decisions about players and teams, spectators, finances, and marketing based on the principles they learn.
Examples of course topics are:
- Social issues in sports
- Management of sport organizations
- Communication and technology in sports
Computer Science & IT
The online MS in Applied Computer Science degree program provides students possessing an undergraduate degree in any discipline the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the exciting and dynamic field of computer science and information technology. Coursework covers topics in:
- Web Technologies
- Program Construction
- Software Development
- Database Systems
- System and Network Administration
Students also complete two project experiences designed to integrate knowledge and skills across courses with teamwork and professional practices.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems program is designed to provide non-traditional students and field professionals with updated GIS knowledge and skills for further enhancement of their GIS career. Students who complete this program are able to map, visualize, manage and analyze geospatial data, utilize GIS tools, and use geospatial techniques for spatial decision making.
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Pursue an online criminal justice degree and specialize in law enforcement, social justice, or general criminal justice concentrations. As part of this virtual eMajor bachelor’s degree program, you will develop competencies in criminology and various aspects of judicial systems.
Courses include, but are not limited to topics in:
- Investigations
- Victimology
- Forensics
- Corrections
Completion of this program can open the doors for a career in local, state, and federal nonprofit organizations, along with private industries.
This program is offered through eMajor University System of Georgia; regionally accredited schools working in collaboration to offer online degrees, regardless of state residency. Students apply at their school of choice. Actual credits to complete your online bachelor’s degree may vary per institution.
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminology program introduces students to subjects that fall within the scope of criminology, to conducting research that contributes to knowledge in criminology and criminal justice, and the practical application of their knowledge and skills. The curriculum combines crime and criminal justice systems, focusing on providing academic competencies in these areas to undergraduate students. You will critically examine crime and justice issues while developing analytical and communication skills. Courses may include:
- Global Crime and Justice
- Criminological Theory
- Corrections
- Drug Abuse
- Criminal Law
Education
You can learn to address vital issues in college and university administration with the Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from UWG. This online higher education doctoral program imparts advanced competencies and leadership skills to best serve students.
With an emphasis on personal values and ethics, the online higher education graduate program teaches critical analysis and reflective thought. Graduates enjoy proficiencies in such areas as:
- Address critical issues
- Deliver and review institutional assessments
- Analyze program and policy effectiveness
- Legal issues in higher education
Enhance your advanced knowledge base and influence in leadership roles with this online EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision. Through UWG’s distance education, you’ll focus on program evaluation, and clinical and administrative supervision, alongside advocacy and leadership abilities. Your dissertation will add to the existing body of academic knowledge while positively impacting client and community programs through evaluation and subsequent improvement.
Coursework includes topics, such as:
- Ethics
- Quantitative research methods
- Advocacy for underserved populations
This program from UWG will enable you to earn an EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision at an accelerated pace since the curriculum is built upon your existing experience, working knowledge, and previous EdS coursework. Tackling the curriculum part-time, while you juggle other responsibilities, you can complete this doctoral program in 2 or 3 years. Your dissertation will add to the existing body of educational knowledge on how to positively impact client and community programs through evaluation and improvement. Samples of classes are:
- Qualitative research
- Leadership and diversity
- Supervision
You can join the ranks of next-generation change agents with the Doctor of Education in School Improvement from UWG. This online teacher leadership doctoral program offers an inquiry-based, interdisciplinary curriculum to initiate sustainable and systemic improvements in academia.
With the ultimate goal of increasing the social development and academic achievement of all students, the online teacher leadership graduate program prepares you to serve in PK-12 schools. Highlights of this fully online program include such features as:
- Asynchronous format with advanced instructional technologies
- Online orientation
- Flexible timeframe to complete your degree
- Nationally recognized faculty
You can be instrumental in creating and enacting instructional practices and policies with the Education Specialist in Elementary Education from UWG. This online Elementary education graduate program strives to ensure that your students can and do learn.
Through the online elementary education graduate program, you learn to apply innovative and emerging research to developments in pedagogy. With a focus on social justice and creating equitable environments, your online courses delve into such topics as:
- Ethics in education
- Critical issues
- Teacher leader
- Lifespan human development
You can gain expertise in developing innovative online learning platforms with the Education Specialist in Instructional Technology, Media & Design from UWG. This online instructional design graduate program provides an education that is intellectually challenging and personally relevant.
Offered through the Department of Educational Technologies and Foundations, the online library science graduate program builds your skills in program evaluation and research. Other offerings include such outcomes as:
- Preparation of innovative, progressive, and academically grounded instructional technology experts
- Development of innovative delivery options for optimal learning outcomes
- Promotion of learning through service and scholarship
You can gain a higher level of expertise in your work with the Education Specialist in Professional Counseling from UWG. This online school counseling graduate program does not offer licensure.
Besides delving into professional research methods and analysis, you also learn research writing. Other topics of study include:
- Advanced multicultural counseling
- Collaboration and program development in counseling
- Designing effective programs
- Current issues in counseling
You can gain expertise in many content areas with the Education Specialist in Secondary Education from UWG. This online secondary education graduate program offers such concentrations as:
- Broad field science
- Business
- Economics
- Political science
Other potential concentrations in this online secondary education graduate program include biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics. You also learn research methods and complete a culminating project.
You can enter the Education Specialist in Special Education program without a master’s degree by completing two courses. The online gifted and special education graduate program from UWG offers admission at any semester.
With a required exit examination as well as a research project, students gain content specialization knowledge as well as delve into special education research. The online special education graduate program covers such topics as:
- Multicultural issues
- Special education law
- Curriculum design and implementation
- Leadership and administration of special education programs
The University of West Georgia offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Special Education. Students learn how to teach students with special needs effectively so that they grow in their abilities and learning. The curriculum of this program relates to those who teach across all types of disabilities, severe or mild. Students can obtain licensure in grades P-12.
You can learn from an innovative program that imparts research-based practices with the Master of Education in Elementary Education from UWG. This online elementary education master’s program ensures that all those under your direction can and do learn.
Dedicated to social justice and change, the online elementary education graduate program helps candidates in such ways as:
- Preparation as instructional leaders
- Knowledge of innovative, effective practices
- Ability to adapt within the existing system or to promote change
- Expertise in understanding the classroom learner
You can become an academically grounded instructional technologist with the Master of Education in Instructional Technology, Media & Design / Instructional Technology from UWG. This online instructional design master’s program offers progressive and innovative training to work in such settings as:
- P-12 schools
- Higher education
- Corporations
- Health care
Using technology-based tools, you learn through problem-based and performance-based learning experiences. Besides studying instructional technology and media, you will also delve into psychology and research.
You can prepare for work as a school librarian in PK-12 with the Master of Education in Instructional Technology, Media & Design / School Library Media from UWG. This online library science master’s program presents relevant, real-world experiences.
Besides a practicum, students may select electives to align with their career goals. The online library science graduate program covers such topics as:
- Psychology of classroom learning
- Research in the human sciences
- Administration of the school media center
- Integrating technology for teaching and learning
You can train as an emerging expert with the Master of Education in Physical Education from UWG. This online physical education master’s program provides an advanced degree in physical education.
Through foundational coursework, the online physical education graduate program furthers your knowledge of health and exercise. Topics of study include such areas as:
- Scientific foundations of exercise
- Legal issues
- Developing the whole child
- Methods of teaching K-12
You can gain competency in literacy theories, instructional practices, and research with the Master of Education in Reading Instruction from UWG. This online reading and literacy master’s program appeals to certified educators.
Designed for working educators, the online reading and literacy graduate program aligns with standards from the International Literacy Association and the International Dyslexia Association. Graduates realize such outcomes as:
- Research-based strategies that align with the science of reading
- Proficiency in teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Preparation as literacy specialists
You can qualify for the Georgia Level 5 certification with the Master of Education in Special Education & Teaching from UWG. This online gifted and special education master’s program prepares you to enrich the lives of students with disabilities from 3 years old through 12th grade.
Besides completing an exit exam and an electronic portfolio, candidates work closely with advisors to maximize their education. The online gifted and special education graduate program covers such topics as:
- Strategies for challenging behaviors
- Urban and multicultural issues
- Autism: theories and characteristics
- Assessment in special education
You can improve your online instruction with the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Online Teaching from UWG. This online instructional design certificate program appeals to those outside of K-12 settings. Work opportunities lie with such employers as:
- Higher education
- Industry
- The military
- Non-profits
Through the online instructional design certificate program, you learn to create, facilitate, and supervise instruction for online delivery. You also delve into the assessment and administration of online programs.
You can prepare for building-level school library media specialist work with the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in School Library Media from UWG. This online library science certificate program focuses on PK-12 settings.
Students delve into real-world learning experiences taught by experienced faculty. The online library science certificate program covers such topics as:
- Multiple literacies
- Administration of the school media center
- Instructional technology, media, and design
- Integrating technology in the school library media program
Nursing
This Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program prepares nurses for professional advancement by enhancing the skills and knowledge gained in their nursing associate or diploma program. Offered 100% online, students participate in interactive learning through an asynchronous course platform.
This online RN to BSN program combines a liberal arts foundation in the arts, sciences, and humanities with a core curriculum that emphasizes the art and science of nursing. The University of West Georgia School of Nursing believes that nursing practice is holistic and recognizes the relationship of the mind, body, and spirit. Students learn to hone their critical thinking skills and examine their own personal value systems and those of others.
Topics covered in this online nursing degree include:
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing research and evidence-based practice
- Nursing informatics
- Holistic health assessment
- Nursing leadership in healthcare communities
The Doctor of Education with a concentration in Nursing Education will take your nursing career to the next level! This online nurse educator degree prepares students for the 21st century. You will learn strategies to take on complex faculty and leadership roles while acting as a change agent and innovator pursuing quality improvement. Graduates are prepared to conduct, evaluate, and synthesize theoretically guided research to advance knowledge in nursing education.
This program is designed to be completed online but that does not mean that you will be alone. The curriculum includes structured activities and facilitator-guided dialogue in addition to asynchronous classroom instruction. At the University of West Georgia communication between the professor and student is not only encouraged but expected.
The University of West Georgia offers an online nursing administration degree, the MSN in Health Systems Leadership for nurses seeking to advance their careers. Building on your baccalaureate education, this 100% online degree prepares students to be leaders in healthcare. Courses cover a variety of topics designed to increase the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in nursing leadership positions in the always-changing healthcare environment. Students examine:
- Managed care/case management strategies
- Outcome measurement
- Quality improvement
- Cost effectiveness
- Implementing change in health delivery systems
Graduates are ready to take their careers beyond direct patient care to a broader field that improves the outcomes for all patients and the healthcare organization.
There are two tracks to choose between: Leader/Manager and Clinical Nurse Leader.
Are you interested in advancing your career while teaching the next generation of nurses or others about healthcare? If so, check out the MSN in Nursing Education, an online nurse educator degree program from the University of West Georgia. With this program students study:
- Health education and promotion
- Patient education
- Professional development
- College/University teaching
Building on your studies in the baccalaureate program in nursing, the curriculum looks at innovations in curriculum, instructional skills and strategies, educational technology, and educational assessment and evaluation. Graduates are ready to teach others so that their students can benefit from their experience and knowledge.
The University of West Georgia offers an online nursing administration degree, the Post-Master's Certificate in Health Systems Leadership for nurses with master’s degrees who are seeking to advance their careers. This 100% online degree combines business with healthcare, preparing students to be leaders in healthcare. Courses cover a variety of topics designed to increase the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in nursing leadership positions in the always-changing healthcare environment. Students examine:
- Managed care/case management strategies
- Outcome measurement
- Quality improvement
- Cost effectiveness
- Implementing change in health delivery systems
Graduates are ready to take their careers beyond direct patient care to a broader field that improves the outcomes for all patients and the healthcare organization.
There are two tracks to choose between: Leader/Manager and Clinical Nurse Leader.
The University of West Georgia offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education for those who have completes their master’s in nursing. Allowing you to further your career while helping others gain a better understanding of healthcare, this online nursing education degree combines healthcare with teaching. Topics covered include:
- Innovations in curriculum
- Instructional skills and strategies
- Educational technology
- Assessment and evaluation
You will be prepared to work with health education and promotion, patient education, professional development, or teaching in colleges or universities.
Graduates may sit for the nurse educator national exam.
Psychology & Human Services
UWG offers this BS in Sociology 100% online for learning convenience. You can earn your diploma while juggling family and work responsibilities with the flexibility of distance learning. In this degree, you’ll acquire excellent communication skills, as you develop a deep understanding of sociological theories and methodologies applicable to contemporary groups and organizations in our society. Curriculum includes a foundation of core classes and technical skills, in addition to major classes and electives. Samples of electives in this online sociology BS, are:
- Sociology of Religion
- Social Inequality
- American Class System
- Sociology of Aging