Augusta State University

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.

Augusta State University Financial Aid

Approximately 60% of all Augusta State students receive some form of financial aid. The Financial Aid office at Augusta State recognizes that over 85% of all scholarships are received from students’ home communities. They encourage applicants, before inquiring with August State, to investigate local civic organizations, religious organizations, trust departments, banks, and employers in the local community. To use a word, the Financial Aid office encourages students to “Network!”

Tuition at Augusta State University is $1,219 for the fall semester of 2005 for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Additional fees, room and board, and other costs will also apply.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out a variety of application forms.

Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.

Augusta State University Students

ASU offers a variety of academic, honors, religious, and Greek clubs and organizations for students to join. The office of Student Activities also conducts a number of programs for students, including alcohol awareness, leadership development, a regular film series, the Family Fun series, and the Lyceum series featuring various artistic performances and exhibits. The Career Center on the ASU campus helps students and alumni identify and obtain careers or advance their own occupation as necessary. ASU also sponsors a number of publications for students, including the Bell Ringer newspaper and Choice Voice magazine.

Student life at Augusta State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Clubs and organizations exist in academic areas, fine arts, sports, Greek life, and special interests such as drama, international students, and minority groups. Students can view films at the campus film series, attend different events in the performing arts, play games in the university game room, or write for the student newspaper or literary magazine, among other publications.

Student supported is provided by the Office of Counseling, Testing, and Disability Services, and by Minority Advising, among other services. There are a number of computer laboratories on campus, and the library offers a variety of resources for research and instruction.

Augusta State University Traditions

With a history dating back to 1783, a school as old as Augusta State University has countless traditions and a rich history. The two convergent histories the University shares are those of the Richmond Academy, which ultimately served as a Civil War hospital, and the Augusta Arsenal, which supported Allied forces throughout the Second World War before retiring as the new home of the Augusta College. ASU is also linked to the career of Bobby Jones and the history he brings to the old game of golf. Jones won his first Grand Slam of Golf on the Forest Hills Golf Course, part of the College’s Forest Hills campus.

Augusta State University Local Community

The population of August is nearly 200,000. It is the second-largest city and second-largest metropolitan area in Georgia, following Atlanta. Augusta is home to a number of sports teams, including the Augusta Greenjackets baseball team, Augusta Lynx hockey team, and the Augusta Stallions arena football team. Augusta also hosts The Masters golf tournament every year, part of the Grand Slam of golf. Other attractions include the Augusta Canal, Confederate Powderworks, several historic forts, Lake Olmstead Stadium, and the Morris Museum of Art.

Augusta State University is located in Augusta, Georgia, which has a population of approximately 200,000. It is located in east-central Georgia, on the banks of the Savannah River. Near-by attractions include recreation and outdoor activities, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, history, art, and natural sciences museums, and a discovery center.

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Post-master's certificate
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification