According to Atlanta Metropolitan State College President Gary A. McGaha, they have “a rich history that is tied to the City of Atlanta for which it is appropriately named.”
Having full accreditations by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), they are an “institutional leader when it comes to impact and opportunity for community residents. As such, 94 percent of the students who attend AMSC are Georgia residents and 65 percent of the individuals in this group are first-generation college students. The college has a campaign called Connecting the College to the Community that is designed to enhance educational attainment for community residents. AMSC is also very proud of our increasing number of comprehensive collaborative relationships with school systems and community partners throughout Metropolitan Atlanta,” he said.
AMSC’s strategic plan has four goals which ensure improved programs, services, and most importantly, maximizes student learning by (1) increasing student retention, progression and graduation; (2) develop/implement programs/services consistent with Category I State Colleges; (3) establish an effective brand consistent with the institution’s mission and function; and (4) developing and implementing a plan that increases the College’s long-term fiscal stability.
AMSC has four academic divisions: business and computer science, humanities and fine arts, science, math, and health professions, and social sciences. Bachelor’s degrees can be earned in biological science, criminal Justice, applied mathematics, digital media and entertainment design, business administration, and organizational leadership. A joint bachelor’s degree in teacher education with Kennesaw State University can also be completed on the AMSC campus. Numerous academic options are available through a host of options: dual enrollment, early college, Dual Enrollment, honors, online and hybrid programs.
Furthering its mission to “prepare students from a diverse urban community to function in a global society,” AMSC partnered with Georgia Piedmont Technical College. The two learning institutions executed a transfer agreement to provide a bridge program that will enable GPTC students to transfer to the AMSC’s bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, according to a statement to the press.
McGaha shared, “I view this partnership as a win-win for all parties involved. We believe in removing barriers and in helping students pursue baccalaureate degrees at state colleges. Like Georgia Piedmont, Atlanta Metropolitan State College provides a high-quality education at a low cost. I encourage eligible students to take advantage of this terrific opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degrees.”
