Augusta State University History
The Academy of Richmond County was chartered in 1783. It was closed for a time during the Civil War, when it was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Control was finally given to the Board of Education in 1909, and in 1925 it became the Junior College of Augusta. The College moved in 1955 to the former Augusta Arsenal complex, now abandoned. In 1996, the College was granted university status.
Augusta State University was founded as the Academy of Richmond County, offering college-level courses for boys who would later enter university beyond the first-year level. It became a junior college in 1925 and became a member of the State University System in 1958. It became a 4 year college in 1963. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its mission statement says in part, “Augusta State University is committed to excellence in teaching, advancement of knowledge, and enrichment of the community in a climate that fosters human values and a life-long love of learning.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.
Augusta State University Academics
Augusta State offers more than 50 programs of study, including paralegal certification and specialist degrees. Of the 200 full-time faculty, 70% hold the terminal degree in their field. Professors teach all classes; there are no teaching assistants teaching classes. The student-to-teacher ratio at Augusta State is 20:1. Most courses in a student’s major have only a dozen or so students, giving them direct access to faculty. Four colleges make up the University’s primary undergraduate programs: Pamplin College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Education, and University College.
Augusta State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 4 colleges: The Pamplin College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the College of Education, and the University College. The University College is designed as a two-year program for students who do not meet the admissions requirements for the university.
Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as communications, creative writing, foreign languages, music, sociology, chemistry, mathematics, education, business, finance, and social work. Associate degree programs are offered in a few areas of the arts and sciences, criminal justice, and nursing. There is a one year certificate program in paralegal studies.
Graduate programs are offered in business administration, education, public administration, and psychology. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered through the College of Education in educational leadership and in some teaching fields. A doctorate in education is offered in collaboration with Georgia Southern University.
Augusta State University Unique Programs
The Political Science department at Augusta State offers a major, a concentration in International Studies, a legal studies rack, public administration track, and a secondary school teaching certificate. The Department contributes directly to the liberal arts education of Augusta State by rounding its students with the study of government, philosophy, and economics. The discipline prepares students for careers in public service, education, and international relations.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music—Performance concentration prepares students to undertake careers in instrumental, symphonic, and popular music. Graduates are singers, performers, producers, and serve in other ways within the music industry. Study focuses primarily on musical skills, with additional study in theory, history, and composition.
Augusta State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: a GPA of 3.2 and a minimum SAT score of 1160, or a GPA of 3.5 and a minimum SAT score of 1100. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students must maintain a 3.3 GPA. The Honors program includes special sections of university core courses, seminars, and a senior thesis.
Some of the other unique opportunities available at Augusta State University include study abroad programs in Spain, Greece, Italy, Mexico, and Sweden.
Non-credit programs, such as continuing education and a “Kids University” are also offered.
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