A Regional Win: UWG, GHC Partnership Sets a New Standard for Transfer and Graduate Pathways Share this page
The University of West Georgia and Georgia Highlands College have launched their newest – and most far-reaching – academic partnership designed to expand educational access, accelerate degree completion and strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline.
Through new degree pathways, automatic admission options and coordinating advising, the institutions are creating a seamless route for students to move from associate to bachelor’s and even master’s degrees, removing barriers, reducing costs and opening doors to high-demand careers across the state.
The partnership offers 2+2 pathways that allow GHC students to complete an associate degree and then transition seamlessly into UWG bachelor’s programs, along with 4+1 pathways that enable GHC bachelor’s graduates to receive automatic admission into corresponding UWG master’s programs.
“The depth and breadth of this collaboration reflect our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and removing barriers for students across our region,” said Dr. Jon Preston, UWG provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “By aligning our programs, coordinating advising and creating clear degree pathways, we are building a seamless educational experience that empowers students to move forward with confidence. Together with GHC, we are investing in the success of every learner and strengthening the talent pipeline that supports Georgia’s future and economic needs.”
Available 2+2 options include Core IMPACTS routes from A.A./A.S. to B.A./B.S.; computing pathways from A.S. in computer science or computer information systems to the B.S. in computing; early childhood education to the B.S.Ed., in elementary education; and film and digital entertainment to mass communication concentrations in digital media and entertainment or film and video production.
The included 4+1 tracks are public administration, several routes into the MBA (from building information modeling management, organizational leadership, healthcare management, and logistics and supply chain), and two health sciences options leading to the M.S. in integrative health and wellness or the M.Ed. in school counseling.
“This partnership directly strengthens the talent pipeline for our region and our state while expanding opportunity for Georgia Highlands College students,” remarked Sarah Coakley, chief academic officer and provost. “Through clearly aligned 2+2 and 4+1 pathways, coordinated advising, and automatic admission options, our students can move efficiently from access to completion and into high-demand careers. This agreement reduces cost, shortens time to degree, and ensures that GHC students are well-positioned to meet Georgia’s workforce needs. We are proud to partner with UWG to create degree pathways that serve both our students and the economic future of our communities.”
These pathways include automatic admission based on GPA thresholds and waived UWG application fees. Students may take up to 12 hours of UWG graduate coursework while completing a GHC bachelor’s degree, provided they meet credit, GPA and standing requirements. Graduate courses must apply to both degrees, and students must earn at least a B in each course to qualify for automatic admission without standardized tests.
Both institutions commit to maximizing credit applicability, supporting new program development, coordinating events and ensuring smooth transfer and reverse‑transfer processes. The agreement renews annually and may be modified by mutual consent.
To learn more about UWG’s programs, visit westga.edu. To learn more about Georgia Highland’s programs, visit highlands.edu.