Photo: Dorothy Kozlowski
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
MSW PROGRAM
WELCOME
from the Dean
Welcome to the University of Georgia School of Social Work! As social workers, we are passionate about finding solutions for persistent and emerging social problems and promoting well-being and social justice. As social work educators, we are looking for people who share this passion. Social work is a powerful profession that confronts many of the 21st century’s biggest social challenges. Through practice, policy, and research, social workers address issues of abuse, mental illness, substance misuse, discrimination, community disempowerment, and poverty, to name just a few. Ranked among the top 25 schools of social work in the nation, the UGA School of Social Work is dedicated to preparing culturally responsive social workers to be leaders in addressing these social challenges. We do this through an emphasis on dynamic research, excellence in teaching, and commitment to community service. This is why our school integrates rigorous research methodologies with a community-based social justice focus and emphasis on evidence-based clinical practices. Our Athens campus is located in a beautifully renovated, 19th century textile mill on the banks of the North Oconee River. We are walking distance to the Tate Student Center, Zell B. Miller Learning Center and the Main Library, and near both downtown Athens and the East Athens community. Please come visit us and see all that we have to offer. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or thoughts about our School. I look forward to hearing from you! Anna Scheyett Dean and Professor (706) 542-5424 amscheye@uga.edu
2018-2019 MSW Viewbook • ssw.uga.edu
Why Choose
UGA MSW?
for your
With sites in Athens and the Atlanta area, we offer full-time, extended-time, and advanced standing learning options. Students focus on the acquisition of skills in social work practice, policy and research within a social justice framework, while learning how to promote well-being and advocate for justice at the individual, group, organizational, community and policy levels.
Think
GEORGIA 1
A MESSAGE from the MSW Program Director
Peter Frey, UGA Photographic Services
Thank you so much for your interest in our MSW program here in the UGA School of Social Work! Here are some important things to consider when “Thinking Georgia” and the MSW Program. Our program • • • • • • • • • •
is ranked in the top 10th percentile of all accredited MSW programs in the country; provides funding to approximately 25% of the MSW student body; emphasizes social work practice in all systems with a social justice lens; boasts a nationally and internationally recognized faculty with innovative and expansive areas of expertise; has a diverse student body that brings a wide variety of experiences and interests; offers dual degree programs in Public Health (UGA), Law (UGA), or Divinity (Emory University) features the only Extended-Time Advanced Standing option in the Southeast; has options for earning various graduate certificates in marriage and family therapy, gerontology, global health, women’s studies, and nonprofit management and leadership; extends opportunities for education abroad programs in Ghana, West Africa, Northern Ireland, and the Caribbean, as well as international field internships in Ghana; and embraces an active and productive Student Faculty Committee (SFC).
If you have any questions about our MSW program, School, the university, or would like to visit our campus, please feel free to contact us at sswadmin@uga.edu or 706-542-5450. Thank you again for “Thinking Georgia.” We hope to hear from you soon! David Okech, Ph.D. MSW Program Director and Associate Professor dokech@uga.edu
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We are COMMITTED to
SOCIAL JUSTICE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK FACULTY STATEMENT ON SOCIAL JUSTICE
At the UGA School of Social Work, we believe social justice occurs when systems of all sizes (individuals, families, communities) are able to safely and dependably to obtain the civil and human rights and resources they need to thrive. These include but are not limited to health; economic growth; social rights, equity, and inclusion; safety; freedom to move about the world; social support; food security; a clean environment; education; employment; childcare and housing. Eliminating social injustice is central to our work as social workers, requires brave and assertive action and effort, and must be present in all we do and say. The School of Social Work advocates for social justice by fighting for the rights of people and communities, particularly those who have experienced marginalization, stigma, discrimination and oppression in any form. We partner with communities in Georgia and around the world to embrace and speak truth to power and privilege and to promote change for social justice in our classrooms, our research and our service. Approved unanimously by the faculty of the School of Social Work on September 15, 2017
To learn more about the UGA School of Social Work’s commitment to social justice, check out our Social Justice Wanted magazine and/or visit the Center for Social Justice, Human and Civil Rights website.
Laurie Anderson, UGA School of Social Work
MSW students at the 2018 Social Justice Symposium, Athens, GA 33
Click on any picture to learn more about it.
The Birthplace of Public Higher Education in America
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The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s largest, oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. Its motto, “to teach, to serve, and to inquire into the nature of things,” reflects the University’s integral and unique role in the conservation and enhancement of the state’s and nation’s intellectual, cultural, and environmental heritage. — from the Mission of the University of Georgia
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA • was chartered by the Georgia General Assembly Jan. 27, 1785. It is America’s first state-chartered university and the birthplace of the American system of public higher education. • was ranked 13th among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 “Best Colleges” edition and 12th on Kiplinger Magazine’s 2018 “100 Best Values among Public Colleges and Universities.” • has approximately 1,600 graduate faculty who are highly regarded for their scholarship and research, with many receiving prestigious national and international honors, prizes and awards. • libraries are ranked among the nation’s best research libraries with a total of 5.2 million volumes and one of the nation’s largest map collections. • is home of the Peabody Awards, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Georgia Museum of Art, and Georgia Museum of Natural History. Located in the Classic City of Athens, approximately an hour northeast of Atlanta, the university thrives in a community that combines a culture-rich college town with a strong economic center. The campus is home to nearly 800 registered student and service organizations. The university’s athletic programs — 21 varsity athletic teams competing as the Georgia Bulldogs — are among the most successful in NCAA Division I, and its English bulldog mascot, Uga, consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most recognizable mascots. 5
The
MSW PROGRAM
The University of Georgia’s School of Social Work MSW program prepares graduate students for advanced practice. Through our three concentrations, micro practice, macro practice, and integrated/combined practice, we strive to develop future leaders in the profession of social work who are able to meet the ever changing challenges facing people of Georgia, the nation and the world. Our aim is that our graduates are culturally competent; dedicated to social and economic justice; and committed to upholding and disseminating the core values and ethical standards of both the School and the profession.
MISSION
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MSW PROGRAM VISION We envision a world where social workers are at the forefront of advocating on behalf of individuals, communities and service agencies in empowering the oppressed, promoting social justice, using the best science to resolve grand challenges, and celebrating the many aspects of diversity.
VALUES
PrOSEAD
The MSW program is committed to addressing Power and Oppression in society in order to promote Social justice by using Evidence-informed practice and Advocacy tools and the celebration of Diversity. This philosophy, under the acronym PrOSEAD, promotes an understanding of the historical and contemporary interrelationships in the distribution, exercise, and access to power and resources for different populations.
The
CURRICULUM
CURRICULUM CONCENTRATION AREAS MICRO PRACTICE
Prepares students with knowledge and skills for advanced practice primarily focused on individuals, families, and groups in diverse settings.
MACRO PRACTICE
Provides students with knowledge and skills in an array of advanced practice roles in the areas of program and policy development, administration, supervision, political advocacy, and community practice.
INTEGRATED/COMBINED PRACTICE
Pools the core curriculum of both the Micro and Macro Practice specializations.
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MSW PROGRAM 2
OPTIONS
FULL-TIME PROGRAMS AT THE UGA ATHENS CAMPUS Full-Time, Two Year Program - 60 Credit Hours
Traditional Full-Time MSW program. MSW full-time students have the option of completing the following concentrations: Micro Practice, Macro Practice, Integrated/Combined Practice
One Year Advanced Standing Program - 40 Credit Hours
Individuals who hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) can receive their Masters of Social Work with only one additional year of schooling. Advanced Standing MSW students have the option of completing the following concentrations: Micro Practice, Macro Practice, Integrated/Combined Practice
UGA School of Social Work, Athens, GA 8
UGA Gwinnett Campus, Lawrenceville, GA
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EXTENDED-TIME PROGRAMS AT THE UGA GWINNETT CAMPUS Extended-Time, Three or Four- Year Program 60 Credit Hours
Students have the option of completing the Micro Practice concentration area.
Extended-Time, Two Year Advanced Standing Program 40 Credit Hours
Individuals who hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the CSWE can receive their Masters in Social Work in 2 years. Advanced Standing Extended-Time students have the option of completing the Micro Practice concentration area.
There are
4 ways to
Earn Your MSW 9
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS Complete two degrees simultaneously in less time than it would take to complete the degrees separately. Students must be independently admitted to both degree programs. The following dual degree programs are available:
Public Health MSW/MPH
Divinity MSW/MDIV
in collaboration with Emory University
Law MSW/JD
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS The School of Social Work participates in several interdisciplinary certificate programs. There are currently six graduate certificate programs offered in collaboration with the School of Social Work:
• DISABILITY STUDIES • GERONTOLOGY • GLOBAL HEALTH • MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY • NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP • SUSTAINABILITY 10
FIELD EDUCATION FIELD EDUCATION provides students with educational opportunities that lead to competent practice. The field education experience is intended to complement MSW curriculum objectives. The goals for competence training in field education include: • Technical proficiency in a concentration area. • Application and testing of theory and knowledge in natural social work settings. • Incorporation of knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and utilizing social work ethics, values, and goals in day-to-day practice and refinement of professional awareness, judgment, and decision-making abilities. • Understanding of the interdependence of the range of social work roles and skill, from interpersonal to macro levels, within various settings and fields of service. • Engagement in practice with diverse cultural and racial groups and with groups who have been consistently affected by social, economic, and legal bias or oppression. Prospective students may learn more by visiting the SSW Field Education web page or reviewing the SSW MSW Field Education Manual.
Meet our Field Education Faculty and Staff
Left - Right: Thomas Artelt, BSW Field Coordinator; Devon Sanger, Athens MSW Field Coordinator; Vivian Burrell, MSW Field Coordinator, Gwinnett Campus; Zoe Johnson, Director of Field Education; Diane Harvey, MSW Field Coordinator, Athens and Gwinnett Campuses. Angela Lawson, Field Education Administrative Support
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“The StudyAway trip to Northern Ireland was the best decision I have made this far in my social work career. It made a huge impact on my development as a professional.” —Tiffany Rogers, MSW ‘17
Education • Research • Service 12
GLOBAL
E N G AG E M E N T
“My Ghana [StudyAway] experience was absolutely amazing! I enjoyed every moment of it. It was a very eye-opening and humbling experience and I would definitely consider returning in the future.” — Jacquelyn Patterson, MSW Extended-Time Student
Global Engagement at UGA School of Social Work means collaborative engagement with international communities in the US and around the world. It means opportunities for independent research, study, and service, as well as participation in StudyAway programs in Ghana, Northern Ireland, and the Caribbean. #UGAglobalSW
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meet the
FACULTY
Our faculty members are respected and recognized scholars and teachers who have engaged in innovative research on some of the most pressing problems we face today—racism, poverty, mental health, addiction, trauma, health disparities, immigrant and refugee rights, older adults and many others. They mentor future generations of social work practitioners and scholars. Click on any of the faculty members’ pictures to learn more about their teaching and research interests.
ADRIENNE BALDWIN-WHITE Assistant Professor
ROSALYN DENISE CAMPBELL
JAVIER BOYAS
JENAY BEER
HAROLD BRIGGS
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Y. JOON CHOI
LLEWELLYN CORNELIUS
ALLISON DUNNIGAN
JENNIFER ELKINS Associate Professor
Associate Professor, GA Athletic Association Professor on Health & Wellbeing
TONY LOWE
ANTHONY MALLON
REBECCA MATTHEW
Assistant Professor
JEREMY GIBBS
JUNE GARY HOPPS Thomas M. Parham Professor of Family & Children Studies
Assistant Professor
Professor Director of Research Expansion
MARY CAPLAN
Senior Academic Professional, MSW Admissions Director, BSW Program Director
Associate Professor, PhD Program Director
Assistant Professor
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LEON BANKS
Donald L. Hollowell Distinguished Professor, CSJ Director, Caribbean Studies Away Director
KRISTINA JASKYTE Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Clinical Assistant Professor, INPO Director, MA NML Director
Assistant Professor
RACHEL FUSCO
Assistant Professor
JANE MCPHERSON Assistant Professor, Global Engagement Director
SHARI MILLER
Associate Professor & Associate Dean
PATRICIA REEVES MICHAEL ROBINSON Professor
Associate Professor, Ireland Studies Away Program Director
KATE MORRISSEY STAHL
ORION MOWBRAY LARRY NACKERUD Professor
Associate Professor, MSW Program Director
TIFFANY WASHINGTON
REBECCA WELLS
CONSTANCE WOODEN-SMITH
Clinical Assistant Professor
ANNA SCHEYETT Dean & Professor
DAVID OKECH
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor, Ghana Studies Away Program Director
Clinical Assistant Professor, MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program Coordinator
Academic Professional, Gwinnett Campus Program Coordinator
FIELD EDUCATION
THOMAS ARTELT
VIVIAN BURRELL
DIANE HARVEY
Senior Academic Academic Professional, Academic Professional, Professional, MSW Field Coordinator, MSW Field Coordinator, BSW Field Coordinator, Gwinnett Campus Athens & Gwinnett MSW/MDiv Dual Degree Campuses Program Coordinator
ZOE JOHNSON Senior Academic Professional, Field Education Director
DEVON SANGER
Academic Professional, MSW Field Coordinator Athens Campus
Check out the UGA School of Social Work 2017-2018 Research Review, a compendium of recent faculty and doctoral student research activity.
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RESEA RevieRCH w 2017– 2018
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Read what our CURRENT
MSW STUDENTS are saying about the program
“I chose the MSW program here at UGA because I wanted to study counseling, yet was moved by the knowledge that a study in social work brings to understanding the full picture of various issues that each individual has to face in life. If I counsel, I desire to counsel from a place that knows that life issues are affected by a great deal of factors, many of those factors being ones that we see on the news everyday. From that perspective, there was no contest in my choice, and that choice has proven to be a blessing to me in many ways. The experience especially that I gain from field, is experience that I know will last for, and equip me for a lifetime.”
— Monique Pollins
Expected year of graduation - May 2019 Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
“I have had the privilege of making critical connections, working with inspiring mentors, and creating longlasting friendships.” “My experience as a MSW student is proving to be one of the most demanding, but also, one of the most valuable. I have had the privilege of making critical connections, working with inspiring mentors, and creating long-lasting friendships. However, this program has not only provided me with personal support, but financial support as well. I was awarded the Joe and Diane Perno scholarship which has allowed me to pursue my education with less stress.”
— Kelsie Monet Walker
Expected year of graduation - May 2019 Combined Track/ Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership 16
“My journey as a Master of Social Work student at UGA has been indispensable. I attend UGA’s Gwinnett campus for extended-time students and have enrolled in the four-year program, which allows me to manage a school/ work/life balance. I’ve had the refreshing opportunity to learn alongside faculty and students who are diverse in background, professions, and specialties. As a Student Faculty Committee (SFC) liaison, I’m honored to be able to work closely with faculty and students to advocate for the Gwinnett campus. Most importantly, my educational experience at UGA has helped to inform my therapeutic approach and build competency as I continue my work in the community teaching yoga and mindfulness to survivors of sexual trauma.”
— Ria Jones
Expected year of graduation - May 2021 Extended -Time Program
“I attend UGA’s Gwinnett campus for extended-time students and have enrolled in the four-year program, which allows me to manage a school/work/life balance.”
“UGA’s MSW/MPH dual degree program seamlessly aligns with my personal mission of advocating and providing avenues for individuals’ holistic growth.”
“Pursuing social work and public health delivered an avenue to further develop my professional toolkit with skills such as program development and implementation, resource connection, ethical consciousness, cultural humility and advocacy for marginalized, oppressed populations in rural communities. UGA’s MSW/ MPH dual degree program seamlessly aligns with my personal mission of advocating and providing avenues for individuals’ holistic growth.”
— Kenrica Sands
Expected year of Graduation - December 2018 Master of Social Work, Master of Public Health
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meet our
GRADUATES
The UGA School of Social Work community extends beyond Athens, Georgia. Our over 5,500 MSW alumni serve all over the US and across the globe in locations such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Our graduates serve in mental health institutions, public, local and state offices, private practice, and a host of human service agencies. Our alumni are also involved in the continuous growth and development of our MSW program through field supervisions and alumni stakeholder conferences that help to update the MSW curriculum. A number of our alumni have also acquired doctoral degrees and are faculty at schools of social work across the US.
Photo: GradImages
UGA School of Social Work Class of 2018
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N Y L A L IE U MSW ‘15
Research Professional Carl Vinson Institute of Government Juvenile Justice Team Nyla Lieu and the Juvenile Justice Team at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government primarily work with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. The work they do informs policies and programs that lead to better outcomes for justice-involved youth, and demonstrates potential costsavings for taxpayers through the use of evidence-based options.
“I graduated from the MSW program in Spring 2015. I knew I wanted to help people but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. I chose to pursue my degree at UGA because the School of Social Work offered different tracks and I was able to decide my concentration area in my second year after getting a feel of the basics in my first year. The connections I made and the education I received as I pursued my MSW at UGA have been invaluable to my life. Faculty and staff at the UGA School of Social Work were diverse, knowledgeable, and essential to my success as a social worker. They considered the person before the student, and provided mentorship and unwavering support throughout the program. Additionally, my Community Empowerment and Program Development (CEPD) cohort was amazing; they were brilliant, dedicated, thoughtful, compassionate, and constantly motivated me to improve.”
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KATIE FARM ER MSW ‘12
Director of Faith Relations and Marketing Action Ministries, Inc
Katie Farmer is passionate about engaging communities in working toward solutions that end poverty. While studying for her MSW, she pursued the program’s Community Empowerment and Program Development track. Katie also worked at the Athens Area Homeless Shelter as Assistant Director where she assisted in increasing access to services and affordable housing, helped develop the AAHS Rapid Rehousing program, and worked with the shelter as it grew in capacity from serving 20 to 100 families each year. Over the last six years she has supervised two dozen interns from UGA, Georgia State University, and Clark Atlanta University. Katie believes that strong internship opportunities open the doors to the breadth of the social work spectrum – from micro to mezzo to macro.
Katie works with faith groups to engage volunteers within their communities. She is a strong believer in Asset Based Community Development and sees the connection between nonprofits and faith partners as a key to strong communities.
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L AURA S ILVE RM AN, LCSW MSW ‘11
Sweetgrass Integrative Counseling and Therapy LLC
“Whenever I walk into a room – whether to see a client in distress or to confer with a team of psychiatrists, nurses and doctors – I am ‘The Social Worker.’ I know I bring a unique perspective and that they need me – whether they realize it or not. That strong sense of purpose and professionalism came from my work at UGA’s School of Social Work.”
“One of the things that I really appreciated as an MSW student at UGA was the wide selection of field practicum options. I was really interested in trauma and mental illness. I landed in two different settings – one community based and the other long term residential. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience two facets of social work. My field advisors were engaged and supportive as I worked to overcome my astonishment that I was not only enjoying the work but also had something to offer the individuals and families I encountered. I remember being told repeatedly that all any MSW program can do is prepare you to learn how to be a social worker. At first it troubled me to think that I was doing all this work and would end up a “novice.” What I have discovered is that being a social worker is about being curious, staying open, continually learning and updating my skills to keep up with the research and science in the field.” 21
KATE MORRISSEY STAHL, LCSW MSW ‘09
Clinical Assistant Professor University of Georgia School of Social Work
“I pursued my MSW at UGA because I was teaching public speaking and interpersonal communication at UGA at the time, and I wanted clinical training that let me apply an awareness of policy and social justice issues to more direct work. I felt like as a UGA MSW student, I had tons of different options. I loved the social justice dimension of learning clinical skills, especially in learning about older adult populations and work with couples and families. I am a certified yoga teacher, and started down that path during my concentration placement at the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support, which allowed me to develop clinical skills with individuals, families and groups, but also to think about holistic approaches to well-being and making services available to the underserved. Rather than my clinical training being a one-size-fits-all package, I felt like I had a chance to seek out the classes and the clinical opportunities at my placements that helped me to grow as a clinician. Having lived in Athens even before starting the program, I loved being in this town as well, especially the awesome music scene and yoga community.”
“As a social worker, I have been employed in hospice, in community behavioral health, in private practice, and now as a clinical faculty member in the School of Social Work. I am certified with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) as a sex therapist, and have conducted most of my research on sexual expression in women as they age.” 22
KELSEY THO M P SO N MSW ‘15
Education Coordinator Athens Land Trust
“Not all Community Empowerment and Program Design (CEPD) students plan on working in administrative positions, however I find that it is a great fit, because you have gained the skills to work with people, and also to work with organizations. I think that many macro social workers will find that they reach managerial positions faster because they have gained some of the more clinical social work skills.”
“UGA’s MSW program, the CEPD concentration specifically, intrigued me. It seemed like the perfect way to match my interests into a career path. In my first year, I was the recipient of the ROOST Waiver (Regents Out of State Tuition Waiver). As an out-of-state student, this allowed me to receive in-state tuition, which was huge, and something I am really grateful for. In my second year, I had the opportunity to serve as the graduate assistant for the MSW Program Director, Dr. David Okech. During this time, I helped to coordinate the MSW Stakeholders Conference. I also helped Dr. Okech conduct research on Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) as a source for wealth development. Towards the end of my second year and into post-graduation I was fortunate to work with Dr. Matthew and Dr. Elkins on preliminary research for the then “Gang Taskforce Initiative”, now the “Athens Community Partnership for Youth Development.” The field experience is definitely what makes the MSW education unique and fulfilling - its great to have the opportunity to get experience while still in the safety of a graduate program. Because of my field placements, I was very heavily involved in the Athens community as a student and have really enjoyed staying here and continuing to build upon these relationships.” 23
MSW Class of 2017
CAREER OUTCOMES Below are some of the positions that our 2017 graduates hold. Find out more through the UGA Career Center! Georgia State University Community Services Specialist Centerpoint Community Based Services Clinical Therapist Clarke County Department of Family & Children Services Resource Development Emory University Hospital Medical Social Worker East Central Regional Hospital Behavioral Health Specialist Athens Area Homeless Shelter Community Housing Specialist Advantage Behavioral Health Systems Clinician The International Women’s House Victim’s Advocate
Total MSW Degrees Awarded: 146 Knowledge/Response Rate: 75%
Employed Full-Time
*University of Georgia Career Center (2018). http://career.uga.edu/outcomes/major_summary17/social_work_-_masters17
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ATHENS, GEORGIA A great place to live! Warmly referred to as the “Classic City,� Athens is a reflection of the New South, filled with southern charm while progressively developing in cultural and industrial areas. Athens provides all the luxuries and convenience of a booming metropolitan area without the urban congestion and cost. Great restaurants, art museums, performance venues, recreational opportunities, historic sights, a diverse population, and of course Georgia Bulldog athletics make Athens an exciting place to live. Athens is also world-renowned for its vibrant music scene. It is the birthplace of R.E.M., Widespread Panic, the B-52s, and countless other bands on the rise. Living in Athens is relatively low cost compared to other cities of its size. One of the many cost of living comparison calculators on the internet can help you determine if living in Athens could save you money. And Athens is only 70 miles from all that the capital city of Atlanta has to offer! To learn more about Athens, go to VisitAthensGA.com.
ATHENS The Classic City 25
Want to learn more about our
MSW PROGRAM? SSW.UGA.EDU
706-542-5422| msw@uga.edu
SSW.UGA.EDU