Graduate School Mission

The purpose of the Graduate School at Albany State University is to define and promote excellence in graduate education and the research and scholarly activities associated with it. In concert with the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, and the Darton College of Health Professions, the Graduate School establishes a high standard of intellectual excellence and ensures the application of that standard in discussions, deliberations and decisions about faculty, students, curriculum and research direction. The Graduate School is centered on academic issues and on enhancing scholastic excellence in the recruitment, admission and matriculation of graduate students.

The Graduate School brings an institution-wide perspective to all post-baccalaureate endeavors. It establishes, through its faculty, a set of policies that define excellence in graduate programs, high quality in curriculum, exceptional student selection and rigor in faculty appointments. It defines the minimum standards acceptable for all post-baccalaureate work and ensures the observance of both the campus-wide and program­-specific standards articulated and approved by the graduate faculty.

Research in the Graduate School plays a central role in expanding scholarship and providing service to Southwest Georgia and the world. Characterized by a multi­-disciplinary and holistic approach to learning, graduate research involves students, faculty and applicable stakeholders in addressing policy issues and solving local, regional and global socioeconomic, political and environmental problems. Upon graduation, students will possess the measurable competencies and knowledge required to contribute successfully to their organizations and communities, enhancing their own lives and improving the quality of life and opportunities for others. Publications in scholarly journals and books document the results of research and the improvements made to the quality of life of citizens living throughout Georgia and the Southeastern United States.

Quality graduate programs result only from quality faculty. Thus, the Graduate School ensures sufficient numbers of full-time, permanent faculty members who are active in scholarship and research and highly effective in creating technology-based classroom environments in which maximum learning occurs. ASU’s graduate faculty are committed to promoting life-long learning, dedicated to quality scholarship and to the intellectual enhancement of their graduate programs and of their students. Building a student­ centered, pluralistic learning community is a top Graduate School priority.

The Graduate School provides institution-wide leadership and develops and implements policies governing graduate education. The Director of the Graduate School coordinates, in collaboration with the academic Deans, the various graduate programs offered by all of its colleges.