Graduate Schools in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia is home to many top universities and grad schools and offers a dynamic cultural hub to live, work and study. In the past two decades, this Southern belle of a city has become an example of the ‘New South’. It is a fast-paced modern city, proud of its heritage and contemporary quality of life. Below you will find some popular graduate programs in Atlanta from sponsored schools.

written by Rana Waxman

Living & Studying in Atlanta, Georgia

Students who flock to graduate schools in Atlanta, will enjoy being based in a vibrant metropolis. Often linked to the civil rights movement, Atlanta is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, and is home to four major team sports and about 343 parks. In fact, it is known as the “city in a forest” due to its abundance of trees, uncommon among most major cities. The city’s lush tree canopy filters pollutants and cools the concrete sidewalks.i

Historic Atlanta

Atlanta has a really interesting story to tell. It was founded as a transportation hub at the intersection of two railroad lines in 1837, but largely burned to the ground during the American Civil War. Since then, it has literally risen from the ashes, in a big way.

Revitalized Atlanta

Revitalization has spurred Atlanta on, due in part to the 1996 Olympics, which it hosted. As a nucleus for national and world-wide transportation, Atlanta is currently the 9th largest city in the U.S.i Atlanta’s accessibility makes it a prime location for more than 1,000 international businesses. Not to mention the more than 50 countries that have representation in the city through consulates, trade offices, and chambers of commerce. In fact, the city has recently emerged as a banking center and is the world headquarters for 13 Fortune 500 companies.ii

Atlanta’s Culinary and Nightlife Scenes

While you could eat just about anything in Atlanta, the city has not left its traditional southern roots behind. That means comfort foods like fried okra, fried chicken and sweet tea. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good Acai Power Bowl for breakfast. It just means you might opt for a local delicacy like a hot dog with collard greens for that late-night snack.

Speaking of night life, you can choose between the laid-back vibes of Virginia Highland, the chic style in Buckhead or a trendy scene in Midtown. Lounges, tailgates, skyline bars, bistros, pubs, cafés and hidden treasures.

Festivals and Fun Times in Atlanta

All in all, there are four seasons of festivals. Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday in January. Try the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival in February. It’s time for the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest in June. Summer also brings out the food trucks, musical festivals and more. For instance, every August more than 5,000 music and barbecue lovers gather for the Decateur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival. The cooler weather in Fall brings the One MusicFest, Music Midtown and other events. Need a low-key culture day? Check out a museum or the Center for Civil and Human Rights or head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Botanical Garden is where you’ll find the Kendeda Canopy Walk. This is a 600-foot-long skywalk that allows visitors to view one of the city’s last remaining urban forests from the viewpoint of 40 feet above, in the treetops of the Storza Woods.

DID YOU KNOW? The movie, Gone With the Wind was filmed in Atlanta.

What Are the Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Atlanta?

Atlanta is home to 242 individual micro-neighborhoods.iii Like many cities, Atlanta has pockets of really safe areas surrounded by others that may not be so safe. Some of its safest areas include Buckhead and north up to the suburbs.iv Buckhead: The city’s nightlife is centered in Buckhead, located north of downtown. Here you could find luxury condos, upscale shops, restaurants, bars, and more. Peachtree Center: This is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta with great access to public transportation. People in Peachtree Center might walk to an average of 21 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in 5 minutes. It is also very cycle-friendly and is located near Georgia State University. Sweet Auburn: This neighborhood is also very accessible by public transit, bike and pedestrian friendly, so you don’t really need a car to run errands here. It is close to restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Virginia Highland: Virginia-Highland, also known simply as “the Highlands,” is a mainly residential area that sits northeast of downtown Atlanta. It is home to art galleries, boutiques, a lively nightlife and a large student body given its proximity to Emory University. Downtown: Most of Atlanta’s commercial activity happens in the downtown core. It’s not necessarily where you might reside, but it makes a great place for a walking tour. Check out Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, the World of Coca-Cola, or take in an Atlanta Braves baseball game at nearby Turner Field. Midtown: Dominated by skyscrapers, Midtown is where you will find the regional headquarters of mega-corporations (think – internships!). It is also home to the lush Piedmont Park, which is over 180 acres and enjoyed by joggers, dog walkers, picnickers and others. Also, Midtown is the famous for the Fox Theatre and other performance venues. Little Five Points: Think eclectic, quirky shops, bars and bungalows. It is also northeast of downtown, so like Midtown, it may be better for a visit than to think about getting an apartment here. Suburbs: The safest suburbs are reputed to be neighborhoods like Vinings, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Roswell, John’s Creek and Alpharetta. When in doubt about where to live while you are at grad school in Atlanta, you could turn to sites such as Trulia Crime Map, Crime Reports and Spot Crime. Choose ATL is also a possible resource as it lists neighborhoods by North, South, Central, East and West.

Getting Around in Atlanta

A fairly car-dependent city, there is a robust network of freeways that radiate out from the city. There is also a heavy rail rapid transit system, a light-rail streetcar loop, and Amtrak train service. Per U.S. Census data all of these transportation options add up to an average commute of about 25 minutes. v The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides public transportation in the form of buses and subways. Many of Atlanta’s neighborhoods have that “small town in a big city” vibe. On the two-wheel front, Atlanta has over 45 miles of bike paths and counting. Relay, the city’s bike share program was launched in June 2016 when Atlanta was named one of the “Best Bike Cities of 2016” by Bicycle magazine. The BeltLine, which is a former rail corridor, forms a 22 mile loop around Atlanta’s core, has been transformed into a series of parks, connected by a multi-use trail.

What Is the Climate Like in Atlanta?

The climate in Atlanta ranges from short, mild winters to long, hot summers. The hottest month is usually July when it could sizzle above 90F. Later, you may get about one inch of snow as temperatures dive into the 30s in January.

Compare Graduate Schools in Atlanta, GA

The high proportion of graduate schools in Atlanta is matched by few U.S. metropolitan areas. Atlanta universities offer a mix of missions and campus settings – from downtown locations to tree-lined quads. There are internationally known research institutions and small liberal arts colleges as well as an extensive list of graduate schools for art, theology, technology and medicine. Campuses across Atlanta bring arts, entertainment, commerce, research, community service and a highly educated population. Among the universities in Atlanta are Emory, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Georgia. Also check out our partner schools below.

  • South University, Atlanta
  • American Intercontinental University (AIU), Atlanta

What are the Key Industry Segments in Atlanta?

Wondering what graduate programs in Atlanta to consider? Per the Metro Atlanta Center, key industry segments are as follows.vi

  • Bioscience – Atlanta is headquarters to several global health organizations (CDC, CARE).
  • Financial Technology – Ecosystem includes First Data, Equifax, NCR, Worldpay, FIS and Global Payments.
  • Technology – Nicknamed the Silicon Peach, Atlanta is lauded for its strengths in telecom, cybersecurity, FinTech, digital media, and a thriving mobility ecosystem.
  • Supply Chain – Atlanta has transportation in its DNA. It’s also home to brands like UPS, The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, and Delta Air Lines.
  • Mobility and IOT – Atlanta ranked No. 1 on NerdWallet Inc.’s list of top mobile-friendly U.S. cities.vii It is also headquarters to some big mobile technology marketers.

Check out some additional graduate programs from our partner schools.

Nursing Graduate Programs in Atlanta

Ready to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in Atlanta? South University’s online programs include graduate nursing programs to help busy Atlanta nurses continue to grow professionally. Sharpen nursing skills through web-based coursework and complete practicums in your local community. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) provides accreditation to South University’s MSN and RN to Master of Science in Nursing specializations, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, and the APRN Post Graduate Certificate programs. MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: South University’s MSN program meets the core competencies for Adult Health Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Students could learn, in as few as two years, to promote health and prevent disease with adult populations. Designed for current RNs who have their BSN degree, this degree covers the skills you will need to sit for the national certification exams (American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC]; American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP]). The program also blends in key elements from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master’s Essentials. MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner: South University’s MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner program meets the Core Competencies for Family Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and includes key features from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials. Classes teach how to promote positive health behaviors, practice preventive care, and diagnose and manage common health problems at all stages of the lifecycle. Applicants commonly include RNs who have their BSN degree. After successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the examinations through national certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC] and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP]. DNP: A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree one can earn to enhance their clinical nursing practice, inquiry, and leadership skills. Built for advanced practice nurses, South University’s online DNP curriculum can be completed in as few as 2 years. Atlanta DNP students at South University could choose from a range of emphases, such as Administration, Information Technology, Leadership, or Public Health

MBA Programs in Atlanta

Earn an MBA in Atlanta. Twenty-six companies headquartered in metro Atlanta are among the 2017 Fortune 1000, of which 15 companies are also ranked in the 2017 Fortune 500. In fiscal year 2016, these 26 companies generated cumulative revenues of $373.9 billion.viii American Intercontinental University (AIU) has a variety of ACBSP-accredited MBA Programs to choose from. Focus your MBA through a concentration. Human resource management, accounting, project management and healthcare management are some of several other options. When earning an MBA in Finance, learners could study to acquire an in-depth grasp of financial decision-making, forecasting, capital budgeting and project risk management. In tandem, an MBA in Finance could bolster an ability to solve problems and think critically about areas such as global economics, corporate finance and financial management. Another choice is an MBA in Marketing. Students could study to understand how marketing plays a key role in business strategy, operations, finance and management. Coursework could provide insight into leadership and promotions. As well, students could learn ways to drive product development and use analytics to meet customer needs.

MSIT Programs in Atlanta

Want to tap into the hi-tech atmosphere of Atlanta through an online degree? AIU offers an online Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) Degree with a focus in Information Assurance and Security. Online students could study to build skills in the fields of digital security, information collection and preservation, and security system creation. Moreover, it is designed with the working professional in mind and compresses courses into a one-year format.

Find Graduate Schools in Atlanta

Browse partner graduate schools in Atlanta below. Or use the filters above to search for degree level and program format. Find a graduate program in Atlanta you want to apply to? Fill out the form provided and take the next step.

  • Capella’s online DBA degrees are for busy professionals who want to pursue advancement in their career skills.
  • Choose between the GuidedPath or FlexPath learning format, so you can learn in a way that fits your life.
  • Learn from accomplished faculty who teach rigorous, real-world curriculum.
  • Help Athletes Achieve Their Goals with a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning Online Degree
  • Up to 50% of your master’s degree can be transferred
  • 87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid
  • National University

  • Wake Forest University

  • The University of Arizona Global Campus

  • Western Governors University

  • Grand Canyon University

  • Colorado State University Global

  • Interdenominational Theological Center

  • Oglethorpe University

  • Institute of Paper Science And Technology

  • Morehouse School Of Medicine

  • John Marshall Law School

  • National Center For Paralegal Training, The

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