Strategy: Partnering with businesses and school districts, UWG is identifying key business sectors such as Education, Computing, Nursing, and Business with a focus on growing graduate enrollment in these areas.
Updates: The University of West Georgia continues to demonstrate remarkable momentum in graduate enrollment growth, reflecting the institution’s commitment to workforce alignment, academic innovation, and strategic partnerships. Building on last year’s 14.5% increase, UWG achieved another 12% increase in graduate enrollment excluding partnerships, and an impressive 17% increase when including Georgia’s BEST, bringing the total Fall 2025 graduate enrollment to 5,997 students. This sustained growth demonstrates the university’s expanding reach and its responsiveness to both regional and statewide needs.
The College of Education continues to lead enrollment growth, particularly in high-demand fields such as Instructional Technology, Special Education, and Educational Leadership. These programs play a crucial role in preparing educators and administrators to meet Georgia’s evolving K–12 workforce needs. Applications for Spring 2026 are already up 2%, signaling continued demand for UWG’s advanced degree programs.
Beyond the College of Education, several other colleges have seen significant progress. The School of Communication, Film, and Media (SCFM) expanded its partnership with Georgia Highlands College, further broadening access to the MS in Digital and Social Media Communication program. This collaboration supports UWG’s mission to offer innovative, accessible graduate programs that reflect the changing digital landscape.
Notably, in the University College, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program grew by 17%, from 94 students in Fall 2024 to 110 students in Fall 2025. This growth reflects the success of the recent program revisions, including its integration with Criminology, which has expanded its appeal to professionals in public service, nonprofit management, and law enforcement leadership.
In addition, the Georgia’s BEST partnership will expand into Douglas County effective Spring 2026, extending UWG’s reach and impact within another high-need educational region. This expansion builds on the university’s successful collaborations in Gwinnett County and other districts, strengthening UWG’s role as a key partner in educator preparation and professional development.
To support this continued growth, the Graduate School has received enhanced operational support focused on improving yield, retention, and student satisfaction. Dedicated enrollment specialists are now in place to assist with financial aid navigation, student accounts, and registration, ensuring seamless experience from admission through graduation. These wraparound services are designed to increase persistence and satisfaction among graduate students while empowering programs to focus on academic excellence and innovation.
Looking ahead, UWG remains committed to expanding programs that address the state’s most pressing workforce needs. Continued investments in data-driven recruitment, partnership development, and student support are positioning the university for sustained success and national recognition as a first-choice destination for graduate education in Georgia.
