Becoming a Bulldawg
Becoming a Bulldawg
UGA Online works collaboratively across UGA to ensure these student resources are available for all students learning online. Whether you are in a fully online program or just taking an online course, each resource section below provides the information you need to access student support at a distance.
Online Student Support Services Coordinator
Getting Started
The University of Georgia offers a unique selection of online graduate programs, thoughtfully developed by expert faculty from UGA’s renowned schools and colleges to meet the demands of today’s dynamic job market while maintaining the quality and rigor that UGA is known for. Whether you’re advancing in your current field or pursuing a new career path, these flexible programs fit seamlessly into your busy life. Your diploma carries the prestigious UGA seal, backed by a tradition of academic excellence. Enroll today and unleash your potential as a proud Georgia Bulldawg!
What Do I Need to Do Before I Apply?
- Identify your program of interest and review requirements*
- Review application deadlines
- Contact your references in advance and let them know that they’ll receive a link from the graduate school with information on how to provide their digital reference.
- Review your individual program application checklist
- Follow the steps provided to complete your application
You can schedule an appointment with one of UGA Online’s Enrollment Coaches by filling out the Request for Information form at the bottom of your specific program of interest’s page.
They will work with you to answer any questions the website does not answer.
They may direct you to the program coordinator to answer more specific questions regarding transfer credits and program-specific details.
Applications at UGA can be saved and resumed at any time, so don’t hesitate to begin your application even if you haven’t yet collected all required materials/documents.
Licensensure Considerations
*UGA maintains a list of programs that lead to licensure and the states in which we know we meet the educational requirements for licensure. These requirements for licensure can be changed by a state without notification to UGA. If you plan to obtain a specific license, be aware that each state has different requirements. Be sure the state where you plan to work will apply your specific UGA coursework/program toward their requirements for licensing.
How Do I Apply to My Online Program?
Follow the steps below to apply to your chosen program.
Graduate School
Start by exploring your options on UGA Online’s online degrees and certificates page. An application checklist is available for each program and will guide you through the admissions process.
Once you’ve applied for admission, check the UGA GradStatus page or contact UGA Graduate School Admissions at gradadm@uga.edu or +1 (706) 542-1739.
Undergraduate
The Bachelor of Science Education – Special Education program has a unique application processes and requirements. Applicants should first communicate with the program coordinator for that program.
What Are UGA’s Application Deadlines?
Application deadlines vary by program and start date. See specific deadlines on your program of interest’s page.
Priority Deadlines
Some high-demand programs have priority deadlines. These deadlines encourage students to work ahead and apply early in order to receive priority consideration.
If you miss the priority deadline, it does not mean you cannot apply. Contact the enrollment coach to determine if the cohort still has seats available.
How Do I Send UGA My Transcript?
Transcripts for Domestic Applicants
Applicants should submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts not submitted as part of the online application can be emailed to gradadm@uga.edu. Official transcripts are not required during the review process and will only be requested from applicants who are offered admission. Do not submit official transcripts until offered admission.
If offered admission, the Graduate School prefers electronic delivery of your transcripts from your institution via secure services such as Scrip-Safe, AVOW, Docufied and National Clearinghouse. Electronic transcripts should be sent directly to gradadm@uga.edu.
If electronic delivery is not available, applicants can submit one official transcript in a sealed envelope from each institution of higher education attended, except the University of Georgia. University of Georgia transcripts are already on file. The address for submitting transcripts via mail to the Graduate School is:
Office of Graduate Admissions
The University of Georgia Graduate School
Brooks Hall
310 Herty Drive
Athens, GA 30602
Transfer credit notated by a third-party institution, including the University of Georgia, is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from the original institutions. Official transcripts for these credits must be submitted. This also pertains to study abroad credit that is noted on records as transfer credit from other institutions.
How Do I Accept My Offer of Admission?
You will receive an email from the graduate school notifying you of your acceptance and explaining your next steps, including how to accept your offer.
Financial Aid
Students wishing to be considered for financial assistance opportunities should complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information about financial assistance opportunities is available through the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at the University of Georgia.
When Is My Tuition Due? How Do I Pay My Tuition?
The Bursar & Treasury Services office manages all tuition payments and deadlines.
Visit their Quick Links page to view current deadlines and make payments. Payment options are outlined here.
Tuition assistance for online graduate programs are in the form of college loans.
UGA also offers Tuition Payment Plans. You can read more about this option under the payments section on the Bursar and Treasury Services quick links page.
How Do I Register For Classes?
After your advising session, you will be able to register for classes for your first semester.
Registration is done through ATHENA (athena.uga.edu) – your login is your MyID and password.
You may change your schedule from any computer through the end of the drop/add period. See the UGA academic calendar for dates.
When Do Classes Start?
The Office of the Registrar updates the academic calendar each semester.
The Online Student Experience
How Do Online Courses Work?
Whether online or on-campus, you will earn the same prestigious UGA degree, while prioritizing the learning style and time-management that’s right for you.
Course Delivery Models
What Are Asynchronous and Synchronous Courses?
Online classes operate under asynchronous or synchronous models.
Asynchronous courses can be completed as your busy schedule permits. Asynchronous classes do not regularly hold scheduled meetings or lectures, allowing students to consume content when they are available. There will still be deadlines for assignments and exams, and coursework will be paced out over the course of the semester, but the schedule of work on a day-to-day basis will largely be determined by the individual student.
Regardless of when students choose to experience the content, they should still expect to connect with their professor and fellow students in a meaningful manner on a regular basis.
Synchronous courses require students to be present online at certain times each week, whether for lectures, group assignments, or other learning activities. Synchronous classes more closely mirror on-campus courses, where there are set meeting times or lectures delivered over Zoom or other forms of video conferencing, as well as scheduled group discussions and projects. This format will be familiar to anyone who has participated in traditional, in-person programs.
How Do Low-Residency Programs Work?
Some of UGA Online’s programs prefer to mix limited in-person learning with online coursework through a Low-Residency option.
For example, in the Narrative Media Writing programs, students visit campus for two intensive eight-day residencies, along with extended online writing periods, during which each student works one-on-one with a professional faculty mentor.
The flexible schedule of MFA Low-Residency programs accommodates employed students who have two weeks of paid leave, while providing them with the opportunity to build a sense of community with their peers and to engage in serious, focused study with their faculty mentors.
What Is Involved In In-Field, Work-Based Training?
Some programs integrate a work-based component into their coursework, which may involve in-field, on-site work at either your current job or program-assisted placements.
With so many options, the path to success in the Bulldog Nation is yours to define.
How Will My Online Class Operate?
You will use a learning management system (LMS) called e-Learning Commons (eLC), which UGA has chosen as the primary software for delivering online education. Faculty have the flexibility to use additional online learning tools to help make learning engaging, and interactive, and to provide an enriched online learning experience for students. Get an overview of e-Learning Commons (eLC), in this brief video to learn how to access and interact with course content.
How Do I Set Up My UGA MyID?
After you have accepted your offer, you will need to set up your UGA MyID. The UGA MyID is your Single Sign On (SSO) ID. All students, faculty, and staff use this to access a wide range of online services at UGA, including email. You will set a password and, due to the sensitive nature of your student records, this password should be kept secure.
For new students, additional information about setting up your MyID is available on the EITS Help Desk site.
All UGA faculty, staff and students are given an account on UGAMail, the University-provided email service powered by Microsoft’s Office 365. You can access UGAMail on the web, through the UGA Mobile App, or by configuring a desktop client or app on your phone to access your account.
How Do I Connect With My Program?
Most programs will communicate with you via email prior to the start of term. However, if necessary, you may reach out to online@uga.edu, and a member of our staff will be happy to direct you to your program coordinator.
The Graduate School provides more information on this process here.
Technical Requirements
Every online program is unique and may ask you to engage with new technologies. Most online programs require:
- A personal computer with an up-to-date operating system (Windows, iOS/Mac, or Linux).
- Additional peripherals, such as a webcam, headphones, or microphone, required to facilitate online interactions. Many laptops already have the necessary hardware built in and installed.
- High-speed internet access.
Other programs may require specific software, such as Adobe and Microsoft products, most of which are offered for free through UGA once enrolled.