ATL Bound | Atlanta Campus: Academic Pathways

Emory University

From its founding in 1836, Emory has grown into a national teaching, research, and service center with an enrollment of 15,864. A coeducational, private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Emory awards more than two thousand degrees annually. In addition to Oxford College, the university comprises of Emory College; the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies; a broad program in the allied health professions; and the schools of business, law, medicine, theology, nursing, and public health.

Emory University's mission is to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity. To fulfill this mission, the University supports the full range of scholarship, from undergraduate to advanced graduate and professional instruction, and from basic research to its application in public service. While being a comprehensive research university, Emory limits its academic scope to those fields in which, by virtue of its history and location, it can excel. Hence its academic programs focus on the arts and sciences, business, law, theology, and the health professions. These disciplines are unified by their devotion to liberal learning; by cooperative interdisciplinary programs; and by the common pursuit of intellectual distinction.

The Emory community is open to all who meet its high standards of intelligence, competence, and integrity. It welcomes a diversity of ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, religious, national, and international backgrounds, believing that the intellectual and social energy that results from such diversity is a primary asset of the University.

In keeping with the demand that teaching, learning, research, and service be measured by high standards of integrity and excellence, and believing that each person and every level of scholarly activity should be valued on its own merits, the University aims to imbue scholarship at Emory with

  • A commitment to humane teaching and mentorship and a respectful interaction among faculty, students, and staff;
  • Open disciplinary boundaries that encourage integrative teaching, research, and scholarship;
  • A commitment to use knowledge to improve human well-being; and
  • A global perspective on the human

The University, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, cherishes its historical affiliation with the United Methodist Church. While Emory's programs are today entirely nonsectarian (except for those at the Candler School of Theology), the University has derived from this heritage the conviction that education can be a strong moral force in both society and the lives of its individual members.

Emory is expanding its international programs and opportunities to rise to the challenge of globalization. This effort underscores the University’s conviction that a liberal arts education in the twenty-first century must embrace global perspectives and enhance cross-cultural understanding. Emory is committed to training its students to pursue their professions and live their lives in a world that is fast becoming a global neighborhood. Emory College requires courses on foreign language and international and comparative issues; the other schools have strong international and global components in their curricula. A growing number of international scholars are teaching and conducting research at Emory; professors from Emory are pursuing scholarly research and service abroad, and their students gain from their experiences, insights, and broadened perspectives. The enrollment of international students is rising. Emory faculty and students are participating in The Carter Center action programs in developing countries. Mutually beneficial linkage agreements with foreign universities present challenging opportunities. Substantial new funding is stimulating exciting initiatives in global education.

Emory offers a variety of study abroad opportunities through exchange agreements, Emory study abroad programs, and programs run by other institutions. While earning direct Emory credit in most academic disciplines, students can study in most parts of the world, including: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, South Pacific,

Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The Office of International and Summer Programs advises students about studying abroad and works with college faculty to develop and administer academic year, semester, and summer study abroad programs designed specifically for Emory undergraduates.

Among the centers for specialized research and study at Emory are the Graduate Institute of the Liberal Arts; The Carter Center of Emory University; the Emory Center for International Studies; the Center for Ethics in Public Policy and the Professions; the Center for Research in Faith and Moral Development; and the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Independent affiliates include the National Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences and the Georgia Humanities Council.

Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, doctorate, and professional degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Emory University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).