According to the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), a consortium of 18 colleges and universities across the Atlanta metropolitan region, the area ranks in the top 10 nationally in multiple fields of study, including Information Technology and Computer Science, Engineering, Natural and Physical Sciences, and Education degrees. Atlanta is also a leader in bachelor’s degrees conferred, graduate and undergraduate enrollment, and grant research economic impact. Metro Atlanta residents truly are among the most highly educated people in the country.
In fact, a 2024 report from Forbes concluded that nearly 60 percent of residents have a bachelor’s degree and nearly 30 percent have graduate degrees. In comparison, only about half of adult Americans hold a college degree. And when it comes to STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), ARCHE reports that metro Atlanta is a national leader in educating students in these fields as well. Thanks to local colleges and universities, Atlanta ranks second nationally in total IT and Computer Science degrees, second in master’s degrees in IT and Computer Science, third in the nation in undergraduate degrees in IT and Natural Sciences, fourth in undergraduate Engineering and Physical Sciences, third in doctoral Engineering, and third in doctoral Education.
With these facts in mind, we dug a little deeper into the programs available to students at six ARCHE member institutions: Brenau University, Emory University, Spelman College, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, and Oglethorpe University. We asked about new degree programs, notable school rankings and awards earned, and student success stories. Each school’s responses (edited for length) are as follows:
KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market?
Brenau University: In 2025, Brenau University began a program called TigerTEACH, a partnership with schools around the state designed to address the shortage of qualified, certified teachers. TigerTEACH started through a conversation with a local school official in Hall County, where three of Brenau’s four campuses are located. It continues to expand quickly as school systems across the state reach out to partner with Brenau on a training pipeline for their staff.
Under the agreements, Brenau will provide accredited instruction to K-12 educators, leading to initial educator certification recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission through a hybrid program delivered via online and in-person sessions.
Also, Brenau has signed articulation agreements with area technical colleges to help associate degree graduates pursue bachelor’s degrees at Brenau through the ASN-to-BSN program. Under agreements with Athens Technical College and Lanier Technical College, Associate of Science in Nursing graduates can transition seamlessly into Brenau’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
The goal of the new academic agreements between the institutions is to support student success while addressing the state’s ongoing healthcare workforce shortages. Brenau has also signed agreements with both technical colleges to allow graduates earning associate degrees in health information management technology to easily continue to Brenau’s Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare management, providing vital support for the region’s healthcare industry.
Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area?
Brenau: Brenau University was ranked No. 21 on Newsweek’s inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges for Women. Brenau is ranked second-highest among the 42 public and private institutions in Georgia on the list.
While the university became co-educational in the early 1970s, The Women’s College continues to provide a unique collegiate experience on the historic Gainesville Campus. Brenau is one of only 32 members of the Women’s College Coalition. Signature programs of The Women’s College at Brenau include Greek life and intercollegiate athletics.
The School of Occupational Therapy and the Department of Physical Therapy in Brenau’s Ivester College of Health Sciences were both recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the “Best Graduate Schools 2026.” The School of Occupational Therapy offers master’s and doctoral degrees, which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
The Department of Physical Therapy offers a doctoral degree and a post-baccalaureate preparatory program in physical therapy. The department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Both PT and OT also operate clinics staffed by Brenau students and faculty that are open to the public.
Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs?
Brenau: Brenau swimmer Olga Bukowska was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference’s 2025-26 Colonel John Sullivan Female Student Athlete of Character. The award is given annually to a male and female athlete in the AAC who exemplify the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Champions of Character core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The athletes are nominated by their schools and voted on by the athletic directors of the AAC.
A native of Sosnowiec, Poland, Bukowska traveled nearly 5,000 miles away from home to attend Brenau on a swim scholarship. She is a rising senior and was also awarded Brenau’s Baxter-Bryan Scholarship in the spring, the university’s highest academic honor. On campus, she has a 4.0 cumulative GPA, is president of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, vice president of the psychology club, a Sullivan Foundation fellow, a resident assistant, and a member of multiple other clubs. Additionally, she volunteers locally with Project YET and Swim Across America, and teaches swim lessons.
“It is truly an honor to be acknowledged in this way, and I am acutely aware that this achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of so many,” Bukowska said. “If not for the kindness extended to me by my academic environment, including not only professionals but also my fellow student-athletes, and if not for the trust bestowed upon me, I would not be here today.”
Emory UniversityKnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market?
Emory: Emory Advantage Plus is a major expansion of the Emory Advantage program, a longstanding commitment to making a preeminent education more attainable for talented students. Starting fall 2026, undergraduate students from families with incomes below $200,000, will pay zero in tuition to attend Emory.
Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health is expanding online degree options to give students more flexibility in how they complete their studies. The new, fully online programs include two full-time Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in global health and behavioral, social and health education sciences and two part-time MPH programs in epidemiology and global epidemiology.
Designed for working professionals, Emory’s top-ranked Evening MBA program offers both spring and fall start dates. Students can tailor their experience through electives and format (online, hybrid or on-campus options).
Professional Advancement Through Humanities Study (PATHS) certificate helps first- and second-year students — especially those in STEM, business, social sciences, and pre-professional tracks — to develop critical thinking, communication, and humanities skills that strengthen their personal and professional growth, and signal readiness to employers and graduate schools.
Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area?
Emory: Emory University is ranked No. 24 among national universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings. Emory also ranks No. 21 for “Best Value,” based on academic quality and cost, and No. 31 for “Most Innovative.”
The rankings also place Emory’s joint undergraduate biomedical engineering program with Georgia Tech as the nation’s top program. Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 among nursing schools for master’s programs, while the Rollins School of Public Health ranks No. 2 among all public health schools and programs.
Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs?
Emory: Thiên Nguyễn immersed himself in different parts of campus and the exceptional opportunities Emory presented as soon as he arrived. He championed Emory’s campus community through roles in Residence Life, the Asian Student Center and Emory First, supporting students and fostering connection. He has also contributed through peer health initiatives, student leadership, and undergraduate research at several Emory centers and organizations.
Nikki Boon is an Emory neuroscience Ph.D. student and accomplished multi-event athlete from the Netherlands who won the Women’s Decathlon World Championship in 2025. She also has excelled academically and athletically at Emory, setting NCAA Division III records and earning six All-America honors; in 2026, she returned to defend her title and earned a bronze medal.
Elizabeth Brubaker is a recipient of a highly competitive Fulbright grant and 2026 Emory graduate with double majors in political science and women’s, gender and sexuality studies. She will study how restorative justice organizations interact with the formal legal system while she pursues a master’s degree in conflict transformation and social justice in the United Kingdom as a recipient of the Fulbright/Queen’s University Belfast Award.
KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market?
Spelman: Spelman College’s Cosmetic Science Program is advancing the future of inclusive beauty innovation by expanding representation and preparing the next generation of scientists, researchers, and industry leaders. The Cosmetic Science curriculum was initially conceived as a certificate offering in the eSpelman online program and launched as an expansion of Spelman’s STEM programming in 2024.
As the first undergraduate cosmetic science program at a Historically Black College and University, the program combines rigorous STEM education with hands-on training in product formulation, ingredient science, and consumer research. Through cutting-edge laboratory experiences, strategic industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities, students develop the expertise to create products that better serve diverse consumers while addressing longstanding gaps in beauty research and development.
Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area?
Spelman: Spelman College continues to earn national recognition for its academic excellence, student outcomes, and transformative educational experience. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Spelman was named the No. 1 Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the 19th consecutive year, ranked No. 2 among Top Performers on Social Mobility, No. 37 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, and No. 33 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Additional national recognitions include:
Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs?
Spelman: Computer science students Temple Dees and Jessica Obi, alongside fellow students Grace Burch, Joy Rutledge, and Devyn Washington, developed PlantGPT — an AI-powered device that enables plants to “communicate” their needs by translating real-time sensor data into conversational language. The project was created through Spelman’s Innovation Lab, where students collaborate across disciplines to solve real-world problems using emerging technologies. The project earned national media attention, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work on a national stage.
For Temple Dees, the project translated into career opportunities, including a summer internship with GoDaddy in 2025. Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand PlantGPT beyond home gardening to support small farmers and urban gardeners, helping address food insecurity and agricultural challenges.
KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market?
Kennesaw State University: Kennesaw State University (KSU) is harnessing momentum to advance research, elevate the student experience, and build for the future, says KSU Media Relations Manager, Paul Floeckher. KSU’s many highlights include the launch of two new degrees in Fall 2026:
Bachelor of Science in Financial Technologies for students pursuing careers at the intersection of finance, technology, and data analytics. KSU’s new bachelor’s degree builds on strong student interest in financial technologies. Enrollment in fintech-related courses at KSU has more than quadrupled since 2021.
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence to help meet the increasing demand in Georgia and nationwide for professionals with expertise in AI. With this addition, KSU became the first school in Georgia to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in artificial intelligence, as well as the first in the state to offer both bachelor’s and graduate degrees in financial technologies.
Additionally, last year Kennesaw State became the second institution in Georgia to offer a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. In Fall 2027, KSU will launch a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences.
Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area?
KSU: A few of Kennesaw State’s rankings:
Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs?
KSU: Kennesaw State University reached a milestone during Spring 2026 Commencement with the conferring of our first computer science doctoral degrees. The two graduates each conducted research reflecting both the human and technical sides of the program. Abm Adnan Azmee designed a human-AI collaborative system to help first responders and healthcare workers spot potential behavioral and mental health concerns in the people they interact with. Manh Nguyen focused on neuromorphic computing, a human brain-inspired approach that aims to make artificial intelligence faster, more efficient, and more secure.
Additionally, KSU’s Student Government Association President, Allisa George (a public health and biology dual major), embodies the future and the momentum of KSU in her research on campus and in her future goals. We recently featured her on our website, here.
KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market?
Oglethorpe University: New pathways in physics and engineering connect liberal arts learning with high-demand STEM careers and graduate opportunities. Through Oglethorpe’s partnership with Kennesaw State University (KSU), this program provides a pathway for students pursuing a bachelor’s in physics at Oglethorpe, grounded in a liberal arts and sciences foundation, to seamlessly transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in KSU’s Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Additionally, Oglethorpe students who are completing a physics degree will have the option of an accelerated pathway to earn an engineering master’s degree from KSU.
“A broad, inquiry-driven education and a clear path into technical fields can and should go hand in hand. This partnership connects those experiences in a deliberate way,” Oglethorpe Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Gabriel Barreneche, said. “By bringing together Oglethorpe’s strengths in the liberal arts and sciences with Kennesaw State’s engineering programs, we are giving students a more direct, more expansive set of opportunities to shape their future.”
Additionally, a robust actuarial science curriculum prepares students for careers in data analysis, risk management, and insurance. Launched in Fall 2022, the actuarial science program — a track within the mathematics major — explores math beyond theory, applying it to assess risk and help companies make informed business decisions. Combined with a foundational education in problem-solving and global thinking through Oglethorpe’s signature Core curriculum, the actuarial science major has helped students level-up their reasoning skills and apply statistics to real-world scenarios.
“Not only does the program have a cutting-edge curriculum that matches the needs of the national actuarial job market,” says Prof. John C. Nardo, who spearheaded the launch of the new program, “but also gives students a chance to develop inter-personally. They get chances to work with written communication, oral communication, computing, ethics … a vast experience in different disciplines besides mathematics, which is the foundation.”
Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area?
Oglethorpe: Oglethorpe was named a 2026-27 College of Distinction, recognized for engaged learning and strong student outcomes. Colleges of Distinction was founded on the belief that the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides. Oglethorpe reflects that philosophy in action — from undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships. Students are not just participants, but active drivers of their own education.
“No two students arrive on campus with the same goals, background, or definition of success,” said Tyson Schritter, COO at Colleges of Distinction. “The institutions we recognize understand that. Oglethorpe has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes.”
Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs?
Oglethorpe: As Coordinator of Gallery Learning at the High Museum of Art, Sophia Sobrino works with the museum’s docent program and public educational initiatives, helping create meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages. At Oglethorpe, Sobrino found new ways to transform her passion for the arts into public service. As a studio art major working closely with the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, she gained firsthand experience curating exhibitions, handling artworks, interpreting collections, and creating educational experiences for visitors.
“Being able to work so closely with the museum’s permanent collection in such a hands-on manner really did help prepare me for where I’m at today at the High Museum,” she said.
Sobrino credits Oglethorpe’s museum staff and faculty with giving her both practical experience and the confidence to pursue a career in the field.
KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market?
Mercer University: Mercer’s College of Health Profession’s Occupational Therapy (OTD) program launches this fall. The OTD Program is designed to prepare students for success on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination and entry-level occupational therapy practice in various settings, including acute care, community sites, long-term care and other practice environments.
Students can expect an exceptional educational experience through an eight-semester, 113-credit-hour program that focuses on evidence-based research, client-centered care, and leadership. Consistent with the University’s commitment to professional knowledge, the OTD Program incorporates interactive classroom activities, an engaging laboratory environment, clinical practice across the lifespan and healthcare settings, and a capstone experience.
Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area?
Mercer: Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy has once again been recognized as the top private pharmacy school in the South, according to the latest 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The College is ranked No. 62 overall nationwide, placing Mercer among the top 10 private pharmacy schools in the U.S., a distinction that reinforces its reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and student success. The College’s motto, “A Tradition of Excellence — A Legacy of Caring,” frames its philosophy of providing excellent academic programs in an environment where every student matters and every person counts.
In addition, Mercer again leads the nation in Military Friendly® Ranking. The university earned top national recognition for its commitment to military-connected students, ranking No. 1 as a Military Friendly School for the 2026-27 award year — marking the fourth consecutive year that Mercer has received the top designation. Mercer also was ranked No. 2 nationally on the Military Spouse Friendly® School list. The rankings, announced in March 2026, recognize Mercer as a Top 10 Gold School and place it at the top among institutions nationwide recognized for their military and veteran programs and initiatives.
Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs?
Mercer: In May 2026, Deandra Bradley crossed the stage at Mercer University College of Pharmacy and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She is a wife, a mother of four plus a bonus son, a grandmother of a 21-month-old, and a caregiver to her grandparents. And she made the four-hour round trip drive from Columbus to Atlanta nearly every day.
She began her pharmacy career in 2006 as a pharmacy technician at Walmart in Columbus, Georgia. Over the years, she built a passion for patient care and community service that eventually convinced her she wanted more. “Every mile represented a commitment to my family and to the dream that I refuse to give up on,” Dr. Bradley said. “…My path didn’t look like everybody else’s, and I had to keep that in mind every day. I just hope that my children learn that perseverance is possible, even when life isn’t easy. No dream is too big when you’re willing to work for it.”
Founded in 1938, ARCHE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to strengthen public support for higher education and help its members collaborate in ways that leverage their individual strengths. ARCHE offers cooperative programs — such as library sharing and cross registration for courses in addition to several intentional communities of practice — that help member institutions expand opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. The 18 schools that make up its membership consist of Agnes Scott College, Brenau University, Clark Atlanta University, Clayton State University, Columbia Theological Seminary, Emory University, Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, Spelman College, University of Georgia, and University of West Georgia.
