Our College
Our college
Learn more about what makes Grady College one of
the top communications schools in the country.
Our Mission
Grady College prepares students to be effective and critical consumers, scholars and practitioners of media and communication industries; improves the services these industries provide their consumers; and facilitates the public use of the media to meet personal and community needs. Teaching, research and service are all integral parts of this mission.
Our Departments
Sanctioned by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, Grady College is a leader in journalism research and education. The College is home to several prominent centers and institutes, including the Peabody Awards, recognized as the most prestigious award in electronic journalism. Grady’s faculty includes internationally known researchers and respected industry professionals. Alumni include Peabody Award-winning journalists, Emmy Award-winning producers Cannes Lions Award-winning agency creatives and more.
Advertising
A top-5 nationally ranked program preparing students for careers in the field of advertising.
Entertainment & Media Studies
Innovate through skills and conceptual courses for careers in film and television entertainment.
Journalism
Preparing students in audio, visual and written communications for careers in the digital media world.
Public Relations
Teaching the essential skills in traditional and new media for effective communication.
Key Statistics
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1,300
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24,700+
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96%
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11
Retention and Graduation Data
Visit our Retention and Graduation Facts & Figures page for details about the number of degrees we confer, our retention and graduation rates and time to degree statistics.
Faculty
Our Grady faculty are experts in their fields of research and study, and they are frequently called on by media to apply their knowledge to what is going on in the world today.
Grady Board of Trust
The Grady Board of Trust is one the college’s most influential boards of alumni and friends lending support and guidance.
“The Board of Trust exists to advance the cause of Grady College and represents an amazing collection of leaders from across the mass communication marketplace,” said Charles Davis, Dean of Grady College. “This brain trust supports the work that we do, offers insight and advice, and most importantly, forms an immensely rewarding social network. Some of my favorite days as dean have been spent with these amazing people.”
In addition to serving as ambassadors and leaders who can attract resources to the college, the BOT is the sponsoring organization of the Grady Fellowship, a recognition of alumni and friends who by virtue of their accomplishments and service are members emeritus of the BOT.
Grady Alumni Board
The Grady Alumni Board is an advisory group responsible for contributing to and supporting the development of activities for alumni and friends of the college. The board serves as the conduit between the college and its alumni. It is comprised of members from a variety of Grady majors, professions, geographical areas and graduation years.
Grady College Alumni Awards
Each year, Grady College graduates are selected as Alumni Award recipients for demonstrated excellence throughout their distinguished careers.
The four Alumni Awards are the following:
- Named after the late John Holliman, Grady alumnus and former CNN reporter, the John Holliman Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award honors sustained contributions to the profession throughout a career.
- The Mid-Career Alumni Award is presented to a graduate for their professional achievements, influence and success in his or her field.
- The John E. Drewry Young Alumni Award recognizes a graduate of the last decade who has experienced a successful early career.
- The Distinguished Scholar Award honors a graduate for excellence and sustained contributions to scholarship in journalism and mass communication education.
Grady College Bylaws
The College of Journalism and Mass Communication prepares students to be effective and critical consumers, scholars and practitioners of media and communication industries, improves the services these industries provide their consumers and facilitates the public use of the media to meet personal and community needs. Teaching, research and service are all integral parts of this mission.
Preamble
To respect the core values of the University of Georgia, to meet national accreditation standards and to accomplish its own goals, the faculty of the College of Journalism and Mass Communication (referred to here as the college) should interpret its bylaws in accordance with the principles of faculty governance. Silences or ambiguities in the bylaws should be resolved in favor of open and democratic processes. The free flow of information and the criticism of ideas are necessary for decision-making. Basic principles of academic freedom allow faculty members an opportunity to dissent from the opinions of colleagues and administrators.
The faculty has primary responsibility for the college’s priorities, policies and procedures as well as faculty hiring, review, tenure, promotion and curriculum. The university or college administration should overturn faculty decisions only under the most exceptional circumstances and for reasons that should be clearly and adequately communicated.
This document includes the following articles:
- Article I. Faculty: membership, meetings, and procedures for meetings
- Article II. College academic structure: officers (dean, associate deans, and department heads), their duties and their evaluations; administrative units (departments, centers and institutes), how they are defined, responsibilities, appointments and reviews.
- Article III. Committees of the faculty: Committee types (standing, ad hoc, search ), membership definition (core, ex-officio, special, chairs, substitutes, student representatives), general rules that apply to all college committees, and standing committee definitions and responsibilities. Standing committees include: Admissions, Undergraduate Curriculum, Diversity, Executive, Graduate, Promotion and Tenure, Scholarships/Awards, Information Resources, Global and Special Awards.
- Article IV. Dispute Resolution Process
- Article V. Amendments to the Bylaws
Grady College Strategic Plan
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication Strategic Plan 2025 has three main goals:
- Strengthen the graduate program
- Enhance the global scope of The Grady College
- Convene a conversation with the faculty about The Grady College’s organizational structure
Academic Assessments
To ensure our academic programs maintain the highest quality, the college annually assesses each degree, major and certificate in terms of student learning outcomes. Industry professionals and alumni play a major role in this assessment. The goal is to make sure our students are learning what we think we are teaching and what our ever-changing disciplines require. Reports are filed annually with the UGA Academic Program Assessment Office and shared with external accreditors, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The plans are available here.
Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Plan
The goal of the diversity plan is to create a culture of inclusion whereby all people are valued. The current plan has been developed by the College’s Standing Committee on Diversity and reviewed by the college’s faculty and staff. Because it is the goal of the College to create an environment where all members of our community can succeed, the purpose of this plan is to acknowledge differences exist because of this historical and—still today—contemporary truth. We also recognize that some aspects of diversity are only apparent when communicated through self-identification. This plan is meant to serve as an action plan to grow and champion an inclusive environment where people of all cultures, and particularly those of historically excluded, non-dominant backgrounds, are given the opportunity and support to succeed.
Grady College
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ADPR department
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Carmical Grady Sports Media / Sports Media Certificate
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Center for Health & Risk Communication
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Graduate Certificate in Media Analytics
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Cox International Center
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Cox Institute
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Digital Media Attention and Cognition Lab
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Entertainment and Media Studies department
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Grady College
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Grady Careers
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Grady Newsource
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GSPA
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Journalism department
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National Press Photographers Association
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New Media Institute
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Peabody Awards
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Public Affairs Communications
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SEE Suite
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Visual Journalism
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UGA Crisis Communication Think Tank
Clubs and Organizations
Involvement with clubs and organizations are excellent ways for students to meet their peers, network with industry professionals and gain hands-on experience with projects and events. The following list features clubs and organizations sponsored by Grady College and/or UGA, which many of our students are involved in.
Get Involved at Grady
Grady is more than a college; we are a community. Several student organizations offer opportunities to get more involved with the college, your peers and the digital media industries.
Proud to Be Educating Students for Over a Century
What is now known as the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication started in 1915 when a young English professor, Steadman V. Sanford, thought journalism should be taught at the University of Georgia. The Board of Regents agreed and passed a resolution on June 12, 1915, approving the creation of the School of Journalism.
For seven years, Professor Sanford was in charge of the new school. On June 12, 1921, the Board of Regents changed the name to Grady School of Journalism.
In 1988, the school became the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Today Grady College is a digital-first college offering multiple graduate degrees and undergraduate majors. It is regarded by many as one of the top journalism and mass communications schools in the country.
The Peabody Awards
The Peabody Awards honors excellence in storytelling that reflects the social issues and the emerging voices of our day. Winning a Peabody Award is the defining achievement for programs and individuals alike. For over 80 years, these awards have championed the creativity and achievements of storytellers across television, streaming, radio and digital media. Each year, 30 Peabody Awards are given for entertainment, documentary, news, podcast and radio, children’s/youth and public service programming. Special awards are also given to individuals for career achievement and institutions for their long-standing body of work.
Beginning in 2022, Peabody will expand its award categories to recognize storytelling achievements across interactive, immersive and new media categories, including Gaming, Interactive Journalism, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Social Video, Interactive Documentary, Transmedia Storytelling and more.
There are no set criteria for judging the winners. Peabody Awards recognize stories that illuminate social issues with depth and complexity as much as stories that entertain and inspire through their art or voice. We honor stories that matter.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Grady
The Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, one of the nation’s leading schools of its kind, views faculty, staff and student diversity and inclusion to be core values of our work and learning environments. Diversity creates opportunities for intellectual stimulation, tough conversations, learning, growth and innovation that subsequently enable our students to become effective leaders and well-rounded citizens. The College counts among its alumni Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), the first African-American woman to attend the University of Georgia. We know our history and we know that at Grady College, diversity, intersectionality and inclusion make us stronger.
contact us
Need help? Feel free to contact us and we’ll answer any questions that you have.
Email: Grady College
Telephone: (706) 542-1704
The Latest
Read the newest headlines, get updates and discover events happening at Grady.
Profiles of Tenacity: Woody Lofton
Woody Lofton is a master’s candidate in Journalism and Mass Communications from Albany, Georgia. He is actively involved in Graduate and Professional Scholarships (GAPS) and serves as a member of […]
Crisis Communication Think Tank launches international programs in Europe
In September, the Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication launched its inaugural international programs in the Netherlands. On Sept. 19, a team of […]
Wright Thompson discusses “The Barn” and writing advice
Speaking with eloquent prose through a deep voice, Wright Thompson described his new book, “The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi,” to an attentive audience at the […]
Why I Give: Giving a boost to those who need it
Alissa Huelsman-Bell (BSED ’90, MED ’02) can’t get enough of the University of Georgia. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in middle school education and a master’s degree in instructional technology, […]
The future of media research resides at Grady College
For over 100 years, the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication has served as a destination for students building careers in journalism, media, advertising, public relations, and more. […]
AdPR Week 2024 set to inspire and elevate
The Grady College Department of Advertising and Public Relations is thrilled to celebrate its 10th annual AdPR Week from Oct. 7-10, 2024. This year’s AdPR Week will feature panel discussions, […]
Events
AdPR Week: “Shaping Trust: How Communication Leaders Can Navigate Election Disinformation in Society”
“Shaping Trust: How Communication Leaders Can Navigate Election Disinformation in Society,” with Dr. Tina McCorkindale, APR, president and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations.
AdPR Week: “How to Do Everything: The Strength of Being a Diversified Creative”
“How to Do Everything: The Strength of Being a Diversified Creative,” with Dina Zolan (ABJ ’15), associate creative director at BBDO New York.
Dawgs with the Dean Fall 2024
Students, faculty and staff are welcome to join Dean Davis for a hot dog lunch on the lawn (while supplies last). This bi-annual event is a College favorite and a great opportunity to network with others.
Study Abroad Information Session: Cannes Film Festival
Join us for a Study Abroad Information Session on the Cannes Film Festival on Oct. 9, 2024 at 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in Journalism 243.
AdPR Week: “How is AI Disrupting Advertising?”
“How is AI Disrupting Advertising?” with Shazzia Khan, global chief talent & innovation officer at Havas Group.
Fall 2024 What the Hackathon
Hackathon is an interactive event to engage students in the latest tools for finding and defeating disinformation. We will have T-shirts and food, as students experience new Google tools with a trained Google News Initiative trainer that will then allow them to compete against other teams in a fact-checking Hackathon (no coding required!).