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Top 10 Best PhD Programs in Georgia [2024]

Georgia is home to several prestigious universities and learning centers. Atlanta, the capital and state’s most populous city, boasts the world’s busiest airport, where international students arrive every year to study at the city’s renowned universities.

Additionally, Atlanta boasts one of the country’s prestigious technological institutions, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the famous Emory University. The latter has a teaching hospital renowned for its work in specializations like cancer, neurology, heart surgery, and many other medical specialties.

Georgia’s universities are well-equipped across diverse disciplines, from business administration  and information technology to agricultural economics, criminal justice, and epidemiology. You can even find an online PhD in Georgia in all these fields.

Ready to obtain your PhD in Georgia? Here are the top PhD programs in Georgia in some of today’s most in-demand disciplines.

Table of Contents

Top PhD Programs in Georgia

Georgia institute of technology.

Bioengineering, PhD

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), is the state’s leading technology institution and home to some of the country’s top industrial programs. This Bioengineering PhD is among the most innovative and integrative doctoral programs in Georgia, ranked #2  in the USA. A highly interdisciplinary program, it offers students the flexibility to learn with faculty from various departments, including engineering, architecture , and computing, and Emory University’s School of Medicine.

• Courses : Engineering fundamentals, bioengineering & tech elective, and biological sciences.
• Credits : 33 hours
• Duration : 5 years
• Delivery : On-campus
• Tuition : $756 per hour
• Financial aid : Fellowships, loans, and federal work-study.
• Acceptance rate:  21%
• Location : Atlanta, Georgia

The University of West Georgia, Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Speech-Language Pathology

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration

The University of West Georgia is one of the country’s 25 most affordable  institutions for online doctorates. It offers one of the most affordable education doctorate programs in Georgia.

This PhD in Education focuses on higher education challenges and solutions. It helps students gain advanced knowledge of administration, financial management, and leadership in colleges and universities . This is a top, fully online PhD program Georgia offers, which is ideal for busy working professionals.

• Courses : History of higher education, governance in higher education, and institutional assessment & program effectiveness.
• Credits : 60
• Delivery : Online
• Tuition : $241 per credit
• Financial aid : Grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 78%
• Location : Carrollton, Georgia

Kennesaw State University, Coles College of Business

PhD in Business Administration

Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in the state and has two campuses in metro Atlanta. It has global connections and an entrepreneurial spirit that attracts students from worldwide. This program allows students to complete their studies in as little as three years. This Business Administration program offers four concentrations: accounting, management, information systems , and marketing.

• Courses : Research methods & basic data analysis, analysis of variance designs, and theory & current issues in marketing.
• Credits : 48 credit hours
• Duration : 3 years +
• Tuition + deposit :  $96,500
• Financial aid : Grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 83%
• Location : Marietta, Georgia

Middle Georgia State University, School of Computing

Doctor of Science in Information Technology (DScIT)

Middle Georgia State University is a central Georgia institution that produces many IT professionals, positively impacting the region’s economy. This DScIT program is one of the most job-promising online PhD programs Georgia offers, and complements the university’s undergraduate and master’s IT programs.

• Courses : Information technology strategic planning, data science & analytics strategy, and qualitative analysis for decision making.
• Credits : 54 hours
• Duration : 2 years +
• Delivery : Online mostly
• Tuition : $255 per credit hour
• Financial aid : Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
• Acceptance rate:  99%
• Location: Macon, Georgia

Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health

Ph.D. in Epidemiology

Emory University is one of the leaders in epidemiology study. It’s famous for its role in discovering solutions and treatments for diseases of global concern, including HIV, hemophilia, cancer, and COVID-19. As part of this program, students must participate in the TATTO (Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunities) scheme, which involves an orientation in teaching skills in the field. Students also receive ethics training through the Jones Program in Ethics.

• Courses : Epidemiologic methods, analytical foundations of epidemiology, and public health research .
• Credits : 45
• Tuition : $22,900 per semester
• Financial aid : Scholarships, fellowships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 19%

Augusta University, The College of Allied Health Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Health Sciences

Augusta University’s different campuses are spread over various parts of Augusta, the second-largest and second-oldest city in Georgia. The institution comprises ten schools and colleges and houses the Medical College of Georgia. This Ph.D. program in Allied Health Sciences offers a choice between three concentrations: rehabilitation science, health outcomes science, and diagnostic science.

• Courses : Learning theories in health professions education, investigation of a problem, and biostatistics.
• Credits : 72 hours
• Tuition : $391 (up to 11 hours)
• Financial aid : Scholarships, loans, grants, work-study
• Acceptance rate:  83%
• Location : Augusta, Georgia

The University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics

The University of Georgia is one of the nation’s top public universities and the oldest higher education institution in Georgia. The university offers various agriculture and environment-related programs, with this PhD being one of the best. In addition, it has five research specializations, including agricultural marketing & consumer demand, production economics, and international trade & development.

• Courses : Natural resource economics, food policy, and consumer demand theory.
• Credits : 63 hours
• Tuition : $8,698 per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, assistantships, grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 48%
• Location : Athens, Georgia

Georgia Southern University

Clinical Psychology, PsyD

Georgia Southern University is recognized as a military-friendly school committed to providing education to mature-aged students and working professionals returning to study. This PsyD program in Clinical Psychology emphasizes psychotherapy, clinical consultation, and assessment. You can study either full- or part-time.

• Courses : Psychotherapy skills, psychopharmacology, and ethics & professional issues.
• Credits : 114-124 credit hours
• Tuition : $277 per hour
• Financial aid : Grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  91%
• Location : Statesboro, Georgia

Georgia State University, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Programs

PhD Criminal Justice & Criminology

Georgia State University is one of the country’s most innovative universities. This PhD program focuses on Criminal Justice and Criminology, and aims to produce professionals with in-depth knowledge in one of the two specializations. Bachelor’s degree holders are eligible to apply, but must complete 72 credit hours compared to 54 credit hours for master’s degree holders.

• Courses : Contemporary criminal justice policy, independent study in criminal justice, and juvenile justice issues.
• Credits : 54 credit hours
• Tuition : $4,776 per semester
• Financial aid : Graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, stipend, and full tuition waiver.
• Acceptance rate : 82%

Columbus State University

Curriculum and Leadership (EdD) – Curriculum Track

Columbus State University is one of the nation’s most affordable higher education institutions. This education program offers three specialization tracks: curriculum, higher education administration, and educational leadership. It is ideal for professional educators, education district personnel, and educational administrators looking to further their curriculum and instruction expertise.

• Courses : Mixed methods research in education, professional development & learning, and trends & issues in curriculum studies.
• Credits : 63
• Delivery : Hybrid
• Tuition : $210 per credit hour
• Financial aid : Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, military aid, and international study aid.
• Location : Columbus, Georgia

Key Takeaways

Georgia is a popular educational destination for in-state, out-of-state, and international students around the world. Apart from offering excellence in education, many of the state’s universities also strongly promote diversity and anti-discrimination.

You’ll find a range of solid PhD programs in Georgia across various disciplines and with various delivery modes. If you’re a busy working professional, opt for one of the online PhD programs in Georgia or a hybrid format with a mix of online instruction and face-to-face classes.

For more study inspiration, check out our guides to the cheapest online master’s degrees , top online PhD programs , and highest paying PhDs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Join a nationally-ranked, CACREP-accredited program with the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the UGA Gwinnett Campus.

Social justice and multicultural values guide our degree in counselor education and supervision. We have designed the program with a flexible schedule ideal for full-time school counselors and mental health counselors.

Program highlights include:

• Part-time program at the UGA Gwinnett Campus
• Department nationally ranked No. 8 by U.S. News & World Report
• CACREP-accredited program with a strong multicultural and social justice emphasis
• Uses a cohort model to help students develop academic relationships
• Graduates find rewarding careers in academia, community, and P-16 settings

Curriculum & Courses

The PhD in Education: Counselor Education and Supervision at the UGA Gwinnett Campus is a part-time PhD program geared toward school counselors and community and mental health counselors.

As a participant, you will have the chance to enhance your skills and content knowledge as well as gain opportunities for professional advancement.

The doctoral program focuses on:

• Training you to become a “scholar-advocate-practitioner” in counseling
• Preparing you to address issues of social justice in P-12 and higher education settings
• Helping you to become more effective in advocacy and implementing systemic change

During your first year of coursework, the department will assign you an individual faculty advisor who complements your research and professional interests. During the second summer, you will select major professors and committee members to direct your program of study and your dissertation.

Your coursework may include:

• Supervised counselor education and supervision practice, such as teaching and clinical experiences
• Practicum and internship experiences tailored to your interests
• A selection of courses that allows further specialization

Through your coursework, practicum, internship, and research experiences, you will work closely with nationally and internationally renowned faculty mentors. Their varied academic interests will provide perspective in your dissertation research.

The program at the UGA Gwinnett Campus offers a cohort model. As you progress in the PhD, you will have the opportunity to develop relationships with other students of diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

Click here  for tuition rates per program.

Application

To apply, submit the following:

• Graduate School application
• Send GRE scores to Graduate Admissions via ETS; ETS code for UGA is 5813. No departmental code is required.
• TOEFL or IELTS  Applicants from non-English speaking country only
• Official transcripts Native language and English for international applicants
• Statement of purpose
• Curriculum vita/Resume
• 3 letters of recommendation

Admission is based on the following:

• Undergraduate and graduate academic achievement
• Professional contributions to the field
• Quality and extent of professional work experience
• Personal goal compatibility with program goals
• Potential for success as a professional scholar/practitioner
• Demonstrated commitment to the field

Applicants must have completed a master’s degree from accredited universities.

Applications to the program are due by December 1st each year.

Associated Faculty

Click here  for a list of faculty members.

Program Webpage

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Georgia Institute of Technology

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Program FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

The ML Ph.D. Handbook provides a detailed overview of the program and how it operates.  Please see below for answers to our most commonly asked questions. If your question is not answered below or in the handbook, please contact [email protected]

General Program and Application Questions

When can I apply to the ML Ph.D. program?

External applications are only accepted for the Fall semester each year. The application deadline varies by home school with the earliest deadline of December 1. Most home schools have a final deadline of December 15. Check with home schools for more specific details.

Where can I apply for the ML Ph.D. program?

All application forms for graduate work at Georgia Tech are accepted through the admissions process which can be found here.

Is it possible to enroll in the program part-time?

No,  doctoral students are required to spend at least two full-time semesters in residence at Georgia Tech and should complete research for their dissertation while in residence and be registered for a full course load of dissertation hours each semester. Additionally, Ph.D. students are generally funded with graduate teaching or research assistantships and include tuition waivers and stipends, which require full-time enrollment. Note international students on an F1 visa are required to be full-time status to maintain lawful status in the US. 

Do you have to be on campus to enroll in the program? Can Distance Learning students enroll in the program?

The Ph.D. program is only offered on-campus. You must apply to the Ph.D. program through one of our home units

Can any of the courses be done online?

Currently, none of the courses for the ML Ph.D. are offered online. 

Do you have to have a master's degree to enroll in the program?

No master's degree is required.  Most of our applicants are applying straight from their undergrad programs.

Can I get any prerequisite classes waived as my previous degrees were in?

There are no pre-requisite courses to apply to the program.  Credit for individual classes towards the Ph.D. program is handled on a case-by-case basis by the ML academic advisor after a student has matriculated in the program.

What does it mean that the Machine Learning Ph.D. Program is a multidisciplinary program?

The Machine Learning Ph.D. Program is a collaboration of nine participating schools at Georgia Tech.  Incoming Ph.D. students are admitted to the ML Ph.D. program through one of these home schools. 

How is my application processed for the Machine Learning Ph.D. Program?

Your application is first processed in the home school.  Application deadlines, minimum GRE/TOEFL scores, and other requirements are all determined by the home school.  Applications that satisfy all of the requirements are then forwarded to the Machine Learning Faculty Advisory Committee (ML FAC) for review.  Decisions for admissions are made jointly between the home unit and the ML faculty.

Does the ML Ph.D. program offer support in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantship, or fellowships?

Not directly. Teaching assistantships and fellowships are determined through the home schools. Research assistantships are typically funded through your thesis advisor but are subject to the rules imposed by the student's home school.

In addition, a student's home school may have extracurricular requirements (including a minimum number of semesters grading or serving as a TA).  ML Ph.D. students are also subject to the extra-curricular requirements of their home schools.

Home Unit Questions

What home schools participate in the ML Ph.D. program?

Currently, there are 9 participating schools across 3 colleges:

College of Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering

College of Computing

• Computational Science and Engineering
• Computer Science
• Interactive Computing

College of Sciences

• Mathematics

Does it matter which home school I choose?

Yes. Home school may have different admissions requirements and deadlines. Additionally, for enrolled students, some home units may have GTA requirements, annual reviews, additional courses or seminars, and there may be differences in financial support.  Please check with home schools for further details. The ML curriculum, qualifying exam, and thesis proposal, and defense requirements are the same for all ML students and can be found in the ML Handbook . Students are responsible for understanding and following both the ML program and their home schools’ policies.

How is a home unit selected on the application?

You will be asked to indicate a Program of Study on your application.  Among the options are:

Ph.D. in Machine Learning (Aerospace Engineering), Ph.D. in Machine Learning (Biomedical Engineering), Ph.D. in Machine Learning (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), Ph.D. in Machine Learning (Electrical and Computer Engineering) Ph.D. in Machine Learning (Industrial and Systems Engineering) Ph.D. in Machine Learning (Mathematics),  Ph.D. in Machine Learning (School of Interactive Computing) Ph.D. in Machine Learning (School of Computational Science and Engineering) Ph.D. in Machine Learning (School of Computer Science) 

Can an advisor from outside my home school serve as my thesis advisor?

Yes.  Any faculty member on  this list  can serve as your thesis advisor. 

Are the curricular requirements different for the ML Ph.D. than for the Ph.D. program in the home school?

Yes. ML Ph.D. students have different course requirements and a different qualifying exam than the home school.

Detailed information about the ML Ph.D. curriculum can be found here.

Transfer Student Questions

I am currently a graduate student at Georgia Tech enrolled in a different degree program.  Can I transfer into the ML PhD program?

Yes. Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Potential transfer students will need to have found a thesis advisor who is willing to support them on a research assistantship. For more information, please email [email protected]

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Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines

Ph.D. Program

Ph.d. program in robotics.

Offered jointly by the College of Computing and the College of Engineering, the Ph.D. program in Robotics is the first truly multidisciplinary robotics degree of its kind in the world—and only the second robotics doctorate offered in the U.S. The program involves the schools of Interactive Computing, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering.

We educate a new generation of robotics researchers who are prepared to be impactful contributors upon entering the high-tech workforce. The Institute for Robotics & Intelligent Machines (IRIM) serves as the flagship for Tech’s robotics efforts; therefore, IRIM has an integral relationship with the program, and many IRIM faculty members serve as research advisors to students pursuing the degree. The Robotics program supports Tech’s mission to provide instruction in disciplines related to science, technology, and interdisciplinary areas.

Program of Study

The main emphasis of the Ph.D. program is the successful completion of an original and independent research thesis. The degree requirements are designed around this goal.

Minimum Requirements

• Completion of 36 semester hours of courses with a letter grade
• Passing a comprehensive qualifying exam with written and oral components.
• Successfully conducting, documenting, and defending a piece of original research culminating in a doctoral thesis.

PLEASE NOTE

Home Unit Teaching Apprenticeship and Extra-curricular Requirements Robotics Ph.D. students are subject to their home unit's teaching apprenticeship requirements (e.g., a certain number of semesters serving as a TA) and other the extra-curricular requirements such as seminar attendance or annual review process. For example, students with home units in BME, IC, and ME are required to do two semesters of teaching practicum or apprenticeship and register for the corresponding courses. Students should contact their home units for details for any departmental requirements that are in addition to the Robotics degree requirements. Students are responsible for ensuring that they understand and satisfy any home unit requirements as well as the Robotics program and Institute requirements.

*A maximum of two classes (6 semester hours) at the 4000 level may be used to satisfy the minor requirements only. No courses used to satisfy any bachelor's degree requirements can be used towards a graduate degree.

DOWNLOAD THE ROBOTICS Ph.D. HANDBOOK HERE

Program director dr. nader sadegh, faculty coordinators .

For questions about academic and research components of the program, contact the faculty member for your area. All questions about application procedures and processes, as well as additional contact information, may be found on the schools’ websites.

• Mechanics: Frank Hammond , ME/BME
• Control: Patricio Vela , ECE
• Perception : Jim Rehg , IC
• HRI: Karen Feigh , AE 

The RoboGrads site offers a lot of useful information!

College of Computing

Ph.D. in Computer Science

All students in the program receive the same degree regardless of their interest area, specialization, research focus or school affiliation. New students are affiliated with the school in which their advisor resides, but none of the schools impose any special requirements compared to another.

As a research-oriented degree, the Ph.D. in Computer Science prepares exceptional students for careers at the cutting edge of academia, industry and government. Students are expected to demonstrate excellence in both defining and executing a substantial research project that forms a novel contribution to the state of the art in computing. With a highly individualized program of study, the degree provides students with depth in their chosen research area coupled with a rigorous breadth of knowledge across the discipline.

First granting the doctoral degree in 1969 (as a Ph.D. in Information and Computer Science), the College of Computing represents a continuation of one of the earliest and most well-established graduate Computing institutions in the United States, and in the world. This stature is reflected in our national and international rankings and, most importantly, in the quality of the students who have graduated from our program.

The CS Ph.D. Structure

The coursework component of the Computer Science Ph.D. consists of an introductory course on graduate studies (CS 7001), along with the separate breadth and minor requirements.

The breadth requirement is intended to give students a broad competency across the discipline of computing through coursework in a range of the College's different research areas. This requirement is satisfied by taking five classes from across the College's different research areas and must include a Programming Proficiency course and a Theory course.

The minor is a 9-hour sequence of courses from outside the College that constitutes a coherent program of study and is determined by the student and advisor. The minor builds non-Computing expertise in an area related to the student's core research area.

As students progress, they must select a primary area of research and pass a qualifier (comprehensive exam) in that area to demonstrate mastery of the field in their chosen area, and readiness to do research.

While coursework plays an important role in the Ph.D., by far the most important component of the degree is the student's individual dissertation research project. This project should contribute to new knowledge in the field of computing, and should demonstrate the student's proficiency in defining and executing a compelling research agenda.

The dissertation research plan is formalized in a written proposal followed by an oral presentation. When a student passes his or her proposal, the student is admitted to candidacy and proceeds with the dissertation research, which is completed with the successful defense and submission of the approved doctoral dissertation.

Program of Study

Want to know more details about the program of study for the Ph.D. in CS? Find out about breadth component areas and courses, minors, qualifying exams, and more on the Ph.D. CS - Program of Study page.

Explore the Program of Study for the Ph.D. in CS

Computer Science Research

The breadth of the College's research endeavors makes our doctorate degree in computer science unique: the research specializations in the College span what is typically found in a "traditional" CS department, along with elements found in EECS, robotics, or information schools in other universities. This diversity allows students to formulate a unique individual program of study all within the CS degree, which may be impossible at other universities.

Learn more about our Areas of Research

Admissions Requirements and Applications

If this kind of work interests you and fits with your career aspirations, why not go ahead and apply?

Need more information about our admissions requirements? Find an overview of these requirements on our Ph.D. CS - Admissions Requirements page.

Ph.D. CS - Admissions Requirements

Current Ph.D. in CS Student Information

If you are a current student in our Ph.D. in Computer Science program, you can find information on your qualifying exams on our website. If you still cannot find the information you are looking for, please reach out to your assigned program advisor. 

Ph.D. CS - Qualifier Exam Information

CS Ph.D. Student Handbook

Older handbook:

2022  CS Ph.D. Student Handbook  

2021 CS Ph.D. Student Handbook

From the Catalog:

Computer Science (Ph.D.)

Focus: preparing exceptional students for careers at the cutting edge of academia, industry, and government through a highly individualized program of study.

PhD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development

Immerse yourself in advanced scholarly inquiry into the nature of learning and change—for adults, groups, and organizations—with a Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development. This degree will help you develop the knowledge and skills to foster learning and change in adults and systems during complex times.

Our unique framework emphasizes both the mindsets and skillsets required for research and scholarship focused on leading adult learning and change. We encourage our students to investigate the real-world problems and work with faculty members and other graduate students to advance the knowledge base related to learning, leadership, and organization development. Our graduates go on to top universities and professional organizations around the world.

• Learn cutting-edge approaches to adult learning and organization development
• Strong, personalized focus
• Prepare for a research-oriented career, or to put research into practice
• Most students complete this degree in 5-6 years

Virtual Information Sessions

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development at a virtual information session.

To register, just click on the date/time that works best for you (under Upcoming Dates on this page). You’ll be prompted to register for that session, and will receive a confirmation with a link for it when your registration is complete.

Upcoming Dates

There are no upcoming events at this time.

The Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development includes 66 credit hours of graduate study for substantive, theoretical, and methodological preparation. Coursework includes:

• Foundations courses in learning, leadership, and organizational development
• Theoretical and applied course electives
• Research methods
• Advanced doctoral support courses

A typical pattern of study

First and second year.

You will take courses to fulfill the core requirements for your program of study. These courses cover the foundations of the fields as well as the theoretical orientations and content underlying the knowledge base of adult education, learning, and organization development.

Third and fourth year

During these years, you will take a more individualized program of study with courses that prepare you for the comprehensive examination. Your advisor will help you develop your own curriculum plan, focusing on an area of specialization within the fields of adult education, learning, and organization development.

We encourage interdisciplinary work through electives taken outside the program area. Courses in research methodology and specialized courses also help you build your expertise as a scholar. Then, assess your professional competence through a comprehensive examination, preparation of a publishable manuscript, and successful completion of a research dissertation.

Fourth and fifth year

Your individualized work focuses on preparing your dissertation prospectus, writing an article for publication, field work, and defense of your dissertation.

Along with your dissertation, completion of the Ph.D. also requires:

• Comprehensive exam
• Prospectus development
• An article for publication

Faculty are internationally recognized as leading scholars in the fields of adult learning, adult education, human resource development, and organization development.

Download a Program of Study (PDF)

How to Apply

Part 1: apply to the university of georgia.

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development

The Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development only admits students for Fall semester admission each year.

Also while completing the Graduate School application, be sure to attach the following documents:

• Statement of Purpose
• Official transcripts
• Academic Writing Sample (recommended 10 pages - excerpts are welcome)
• Three Letters of Recommendation

Deadline To Apply

Log Into Existing Application

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates   Browse Financial Aid

Graduate Assistantships

Applicants wishing to be considered for a Graduate School assistantship must complete applications by January 10 for fall semester. Applicants who would like to be considered for a departmental assistantship for fall semester must complete applications by March 1.

Your experience will be different depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student.

• As a full-time student, you have opportunities to work with faculty, which includes course support, teaching at the graduate level, and conducting research. Full-time students may also apply for graduate assistantships.
• As a part-time student, you can take advantage of convenient access to classes offered in the evenings in Athens or Gwinnett, or in a blended course format.

The University of Georgia Lifelong Learning Association (UGALLA) provides a network for students, faculty, and professionals interested in lifelong learning. The group also supports learning experiences such as seminars, field trips, workshops, and leadership opportunities.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

Schedule A Visit

• Concentrations
• Program Milestones
• Faculty and Staff

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Georgia Tech Scheller Ph.D. program.

Directions, Parking, and Accommodations

How do i get to the scheller college of business, are there hotels near campus.

Yes. There are many hotels to choose from near the College of Business and the Georgia Tech campus. Here are several options:(ask for Georgia Tech rates) Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center   (across the street from Scheller College of Business) 800 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 Reservations: 404-347-9440; 800-706-2899 This full-service hotel located on the Georgia Tech campus, offers restaurant, bar and room service seven days a week as well as numerous restaurant options just steps away. The hotel also features free wireless internet, fitness center (including indoor pool) and FREE transportation on the Tech Trolley that stops right in front of the hotel. Remember to take your picture with the Ramblin' Wreck on display in the lobby!

Many of the hotels listed below also offer Georgia Tech rates. Be sure to ask!

Georgian Terrace   (.5 miles from Scheller College of Business) 659 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30308 404-897-1991

Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites   (0.5 miles from Scheller College of Business) 97 10th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-524-4006

Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown   (.5 miles from Scheller College of Business) 683 Peachtree Street. NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-874-9200

Home2 Suites   (.3 miles from the Scheller College of Business) 975 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 800-642-3629

Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown  (.1 mile walk from Scheller College of Business) 866 West Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, GA 30308 678-412-2400 Residence Inn Atlanta Midtown / Historic   (.5 miles from Scheller College of Business) 1041 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-8885 Residence Inn Midtown/17th at Peachtree hotel   (1.2 miles from Scheller College of Business) 1365 W Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-745-1000

Application Process

How are applications to the ph.d. program evaluated.

Applications to the Ph.D. program are evaluated compared to other Ph.D. applicants in the academic area. Considered in the admission decision are undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) academic performance, GMAT or GRE scores, TOEFL scores for international applicants, work experience, essays, interviews, letters of recommendation, and other documentation supporting the application. Applications are reviewed individually and are also compared to the students currently enrolled in the program and to the current group of applicants.

The admission committee looks for students who will be successful academically and are capable of doing outstanding research in their field.

Are there any prerequisites to the Ph.D. program?

What is the application deadline for the ph.d. program, how can i apply, what materials must be on file before the application is considered complete and can be evaluated, i am scheduled to take the gmat, gre, or toefl exam(s) right before the application deadline, so i won't have my official scores in time. what should i do, when and how will i receive the admissions decision, do you accept the gre in lieu of the gmat.

Yes, we will accept either the GMAT or GRE for admission consideration. The test must be taken within five years of our receipt of your application. If your score is more than five years old, you should plan to retake the test.

Are applicants to the Ph.D. program required to interview?

Does the ph.d. program accept applications for the spring semester, can i complete the p.h.d program on a part-time or distance-learning basis, international applicants, are applications from non-u.s. citizens treated differently in the admissions process, who is required to take the toefl, what is the minimum toefl score needed to be admitted, what are the educational requirements for admission for students educated outside the united states am i eligible to apply for admission with a three-year baccalaureate degree, is there financial aid available for non-u.s. citizens, how do i receive a visa.

All non-U.S. citizens must provide a certified financial statement outlining the financial resources available to them for their studies in the U.S. when they are accepted into the program. The director the Ph.D. program will contact the admitted student to process the visa. No visa documents will be issued until the Graduate Education Office receives documentation that the applicant has sufficient resources to meet the expenses for at least the first year of graduate study at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech does not begin processing I-20s for the fall semester until May before the beginning of the fall term. This procedure results from the fact that the Georgia State Legislature does not approve the budget (tuition) until April. The I-20 will be delivered to the student via express mail.

What if I am a permanent resident?

Campus community, what is the campus and ph.d. community like.

Students in the Ph.D. program find Georgia Tech can be a community within itself. The campus offers a wide variety of intramural sporting events, arts and crafts workshops, drama and theater, and many other activities.

Ph.D. students often meet at the end of the week to socialize at area restaurants and gathering places. Ph.D. student organizations sponsor community and public service events, student/faculty mixers, and tournaments. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and Georgia Tech’s Stinger bus system provide convenient transportation and access to downtown and other metropolitan Atlanta areas.

For those looking for adventure, many students take road trips to neighboring states, go rafting on the Chattahoochee River, or cycle or in-line skate through nearby Piedmont Park. Georgia Tech and Atlanta offer an unlimited variety of social events and activities to meet the interests of Ph.D. students. For more information, please visit the Campus Life website .

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Sallie Mae Student Loans

How to apply for sallie mae student loans, types of student loans offered by sallie mae, sallie mae student loans frequently asked questions, sallie mae student loans competitors.

• Why You Should Trust Us

Sallie Mae Student Loans Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

Sallie Mae is a solid lender that includes four months of Chegg with its undergraduate loans. Sallie Mae interest rates are higher than you can get elsewhere if you have excellent credit, and it charges late fees. 

0.25% discount on regular rates with auto debit

5.37% - 15.70% variable and 4.50% - 15.49% fixed

late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25

Undisclosed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No prepayment or origination fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Part-time students eligible
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Four months of Chegg included with your loan
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. International students eligible with an eligible cosigner
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Relatively high APR
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Sallie Mae sets repayment term length
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Credit check required
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Customer service unavailable on Saturday and Sunday
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Late payment fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No loan preapproval

Sallie Mae is a solid lender that includes four months of Chegg with its undergraduate loans. Sallie Mae charges late fees, though, and you can get better student loan interest rates elsewhere.

• Apply through your computer or mobile device
• Customer service available via phone Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET or on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• Five, 10, or 15 year repayment term, which will be assigned by Sallie Mae
• Loan approval requires a hard credit pull
• Loan amounts available: $1,000 minimum, up to 100% cost of attendance
• Repayment options available:
• Deferred: No payments for up to six months after leaving school
• Interest only: Only make payments on the loan's interest while in school and during grace period
• Fixed payments: Pay $25 per month while in school and during grace period

To get a student loan with Sallie Mae, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Be enrolled in a degree-granting school full time, half time, or less than half time
• Be pursuing a degree or certificate
• Be the age of majority in your state (18 years or older in many cases)
• Pass a credit check

You should consider your federal student loan options before applying for any private student loan , including one with Sallie Mae, as you can often get better terms and protections through the government.

You can contact customer support by phone Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET or on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You are also able to send mail to Sallie Mae at its Delaware address.

Sallie Mae has a well-reviewed app that has received 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Apple store and 4.0 out of  5 stars on the Google Play store. You may like this feature if you want to manage your loan on the go. 

Pros and Cons of Sallie Mae student loans

• Four months of Chegg included with undergraduate loans.  The study service Chegg offers expert Q&A, and students can submit up to 20 questions per month.
• No origination fee . Other lenders may hit you with origination fees which are deducted from your overall loan proceeds. 
• Part-time students are eligible.  Most lenders don't offer loans to part-time students, making Sallie Mae stand out from the pack. 
• Only one term length for graduate loans . Graduate students will have a term length of 15 years. 
• Term length assigned for undergraduate loans . Sallie Mae has five, 10, and 15-year term length options. It will assign you one when you take out a loan. 
• Late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25 . Other lenders don't charge late fees at all if you fall behind on your payments. 
• Customer service unavailable on the weekends. If you need help with your loan on the weekend, Sallie Mae won't be able to help you. 

Who Is Sallie Mae Best For?

Sallie Mae is best for part-time students looking to get a loan. They may find it hard to locate another lender that will offer them a loan. 

However, borrowers with excellent credit will probably find lower rates elsewhere. 

1. Gather required information . This includes your Social Security number, your school of enrollment, your enrollment status, the loan amount you need, your address, and other financial documents.

2. P ut in the details of your online application . You're apply to complete the application in about 15 minutes, and after doing so you'll get your rates. 

3. Send the required supplementary documents . Sallie Mae may need to see financial documents including proof of income and residency. 

4.  Sign your loan agreement . After you get all your documents in order, Sallie will send you a formal loan agreement. Sallie Mae will fund your loan after you sign on the dotted line. 

Sallie Mae offers student loans for many types of degrees, including:

• Undergraduate
• Career training and trade school
• Dental school
• Medical school
• Health professions

Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loans

You may like Sallie Mae undergraduate student loans if you want to avoid origination and prepayment fees, as the lender doesn't charge any. You also get four months of the study service Chegg for free. Chegg offers expert Q&A, and students can submit up to 20 questions per month.

However, there are significant drawbacks to Sallie Mae's student loans. The lender charges a late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25. You won't be able to decide your repayment term length — the company assigns you a repayment term. Sallie Mae will also have to generate a hard credit inquiry to give you an approval decision, which could negatively impact your credit score. Most lenders only do a soft inquiry during this process, then a hard pull before you receive your funds.

Sallie Mae Graduate Student Loans

Graduate student loans aren't Sallie Mae's best offering, as the lender has higher APRs than competitors and doesn't offer many perks. Your only term length option is 15 years. On the bright side, you will avoid paying origination and prepayment fees. 

5.37% - 14.97% variable and 4.99% - 14.48% fixed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Part-time students are eligible
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High APR
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only one repayment term length
• 15 year repayment term
• Late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25
• $1,000 loan minimum
• Member FDIC

What Options Do I Have to Repay My Sallie Mae Student Loans?

After taking out your loan, you have three options to repay it: deferred, fixed, and interest-only. Each option has its benefits for different types of borrowers. 

The approval will likely take a few business days.  

Sallie Mae offers five, 10, or 15 year repayment terms for its student loans.

Sallie Mae undergraduate student loan APRs are 5.37% - 15.70% variable and 4.50% - 15.49% fixed.

While there is always a possibility a private company could decide to forgive student loans, the likelihood is extremely slim. No private loans are likely to be forgiven. 

The Better Business Bureau rates Sallie Mae, a BBB-accredited company, an A+ .  This means the BBB deems the company truthful in how it handles business, effective in its responses to customer complaints, and honest in its advertising.

Compare Sallie Mae student loans against top student loan providers.

Sallie Mae Student Loans vs. College Ave Student Loans

College Ave comes with a better minimum APR on your loan than Sallie Mae, so if your credit is in good shape, College Ave might be the better choice. 

You won't pay origination fees or prepayment penalties with either company, but you will pay a late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25, with both lenders.

You'll be able to get your rate and loan approval with College Ave via a soft credit check, which won't impact your credit score. With Sallie Mae, the lender will perform a hard credit inquiry to determine your eligibility, which may negatively affect your credit score. 

College Ave Student Loan Review

Sallie Mae Student Loans vs. Discover Student Loans

Sallie Mae has a similar APR range to Discover Student Loans, though you can get a lower maximum fixed rate with Discover. So if your credit isn't in as good of shape, Discover might be the better option. 

Discover has only one standard term available on its undergraduate student loans, 15 years, while Sallie Mae offers options of five, 10, and 15 years. Sallie Mae will assign your loan term to you. 

Discover Student Loans Review

Why You Should Trust Us: How we rated Sallie Mae student loans

We rate all student loan products in our reviews and guides on a 1-5 scale. The overall rating is a weighted average that takes into account seven different categories, some of which are judged more heavily than others. They are:

• Interest rate (20% of rating)
• Fees (20% of rating)
• Term lengths (15% of rating)
• Repayment options while in school (15% of rating)
• Borrower accessibility (15% of rating)
• Customer support (7.5% of rating)
• Ethics (7.5% of rating)

Each category's weighting is determined based on its importance to your borrowing experience. Rates and fees have the most significant impact on the total cost of your loan, so we weigh those the most heavily. Customer support and ethics are still crucial parts of the borrowing experience, but do not directly tie to a student loan's terms, so they have less of an impact on the overall rating.

Read more about how we rate student loans >>

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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'Dangerous out there': 15 dead as tornadoes slam multiple states in the South: Updates

Powerful storms and tornadoes sweeping across the nation's midsection Sunday killed at least 15 people in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky, injuring scores, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across the region, and delaying the start of the iconic Indianapolis 500 .

Seven deaths were confirmed in North Texas after an apparent tornado tore through Cooke County, near the Oklahoma border, on Saturday night, Gov. Greg Abbott said at a Sunday news conference in Valley View, one of the hardest-hit towns. Two children, aged 2 and 5 years old, were among the dead, according to Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington.

At least 100 others were injured in the deadly storm, Abbott said. The governor added that the tornado destroyed more than 200 homes and other buildings as well as damaged another 120 structures.

"I'll be shocked if those numbers are not increased as further assessments are made," Abbott said.

A tornado also ripped through Denton County, northwest of Dallas, on Saturday night and damaged homes and other buildings while knocking down power lines. Officials said "a number of individuals" were injured and transported to area hospitals.

The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said its crews assessed damage and conducted storm surveys in Montague, Cooke, Denton, and Collin Counties.

The tragedy comes five days after tornadoes killed five and injured dozens in Iowa . And at least eight people died when storms slammed Houston less than two weeks ago.

Tourists flock to Tornado Alley: People pay big bucks for the chance to see dangerous storms

Developments:

∎ At least five people died in Arkansas, the Associated Press reported. Video and photos posted on social media showed homes destroyed in Decatur, Arkansas.

∎ Severe weather and heavy rain chances shift into the mid-Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys later Sunday before progressing into the mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Gulf Coast on Memorial Day.

∎ Dangerous and potentially record-breaking heat was forecast to continue across parts of Texas, the western Gulf Coast and southern Florida.

'Long road ahead': Slow recovery after deadly tornadoes slam Iowa; East Coast braces for storms

Dozens sought shelter at truck stop, gas station in Cooke County, Texas

The storm had struck a nearby travel center and gas station complex where more than 60 residents had sought shelter, according to Sappington. Dozens of motorists abandoned their vehicles on a highway and sought shelter at a nearby struck stop as the tornado swept through the area.

Everyone survived but it took rescue teams about an hour to free people who were trapped in the wreckage, according to officials. Search and rescue efforts were also complicated by downed trees and power lines that blocked access to roads, Sappington said.

A National Weather Service official told Reuters that the Valley View tornado packed top winds of 135 miles per hour. Multiple twisters had struck the region, but the exact number had yet to be determined, she said.

Authorities spent Sunday wrapping up initial search-and-rescue operations, according to Abbott. He said authorities were searching for possible additional victims but there were no reports of missing people by the end of the day.

Threat of storms delays Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials delayed the start of Sunday's Indianapolis 500 because of impending inclement weather in central Indiana and asked the 125,000-plus fans inside the venue to exit the grandstands and the Snake Pit and seek shelter. IMS announced approximately 345,000 tickets were purchased for the race.

The race had been delayed at about 11:35 a.m. and rain reached the racetrack at around the time of the originally scheduled 12:45 p.m. start and continued for more than an hour.

"Given the proximity of lightning moving toward (IMS), a decision has been made to pause the pre-race run of show and move fans out of the grandstands and the Snake Pit," speedway officials said in a statement. "Spectators ... should exit the grandstands in an orderly fashion and implement their personal safety plans."

IMS officials cleared fans to return to the grandstands at about 2:05 p.m. Sunday after conditions cleared in the area. Trucks and powerful dryers had circled the track to dry the 2.5-mile oval.

− Nathan Brown and Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star

IMS delays start of Indy 500: Fans asked to vacate grandstands and Snake Pit to seek shelter

Power outages, tornado warnings across Kentucky

In Kentucky, a man was killed Sunday after he was struck by a tree in east Louisville, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Matthew Sanders said. More than 200,000 homes and businesses across the state were without power Sunday afternoon, hours after a tornado was observed near Mayfield. The town of 10,000 people was hit with a tornado in 2021 that killed at least nine people,  The Courier Journal previously reported .

The National Weather Service in Paducah warned that more storms were on the way.

"Several of you are cleaning up after the morning storms and (we) hope that you are safe in doing so!" the weather service said on social media. "Unfortunately, there will be more storms building this afternoon. The storms will be capable of very large hail, 70 mph or greater and tornadoes."

A severe thunderstorm warning for Louisville included "destructive" winds up to 80 mph, according to an alert from the weather service. Earlier, winds of up to 63 mph were reported at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, the weather service said.

Some storms move on, but dangers remain

Sappington said enough first responders were on the scene in Texas to conduct a thorough search and rescue effort in the storm-ravaged area. He urged people to stay away from the scene.

"I know some people were out of the area and trying to get back, but it's dangerous out there," he said. "Power lines are down. There's been reports of gas leaks. ... We're trying to still rescue people. The best thing people can do right now is give us a little time."  

Fatalities possible in Oklahoma

In the Green Country area of northeastern Oklahoma, kjrh.com reported two deaths in the town of Pryor but had no details. In Claremore, Oklahoma, 30 miles east of Tulsa, police announced the city was effectively shut down because of downed power lines and blocked roads. Dozens of injuries were reported. "Only residents and those with legitimate reasons to enter will be allowed," police said in a social media post . "The cleanup phase is just beginning and will take time."

The National Weather Service office in Tulsa warned the storms were not finished.

"A few strong to severe storms will again be possible this afternoon and evening across portions of far eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas," the National Weather Service office in Tulsa reported. "Large hail and damaging winds will be the primary threats."

Hiding in a cooler in Denton, Texas

In Denton, south of Cooke County, the fire department reported sending a rescue team and medics to a marina on Lake Ray Roberts. "Multiple victims, some reported trapped," the department said on social media, adding that major damage was reported along the county line.

Homes, businesses and boats were battered. Leann Peterson said she thought the storm would roll north of the area. When it didn't, a local business owner suggested people take cover in a restaurant's walk-in cooler.

"We got in the cooler just in time and all these people started coming in, thank God, and when it hit, it was just so loud," she told nbcdfw.com . "It was like something just crashed into us. I didn't realize how bad until we came out."

Contributing: Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal; Reuters