Georgia STEPPS, also known as the Georgia Strategic Training and Education Partnership for Public Safety, is a collaborative partnership between the GDC and the University of West Georgia designed to provide an opportunity for public safety employees to pursue higher education. This partnership provides programming designed around the needs of Georgia Department of Corrections and/or other public safety agencies and workforce. Students may enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs at UWG.

• Nexus Degree in Computing
• Bachelor of Science in Criminology
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Online Teaching
• Educational Leadership Tier I Certification Program
• Educational Leadership Tier II Certification Program
• Masters of Public Administration
• Masters of Education in Professional Counseling - Concentration in Clinical Mental Health
• Online Masters of Business Administration (WebMBA)

Interested individuals initiate the process by completing an inquiry form. All inquiries are shared with the GDC for review and nomination to apply. UWG will follow up with all nominees by inviting them to apply.

Yes! Applicants invited to apply to the Georgia STEPPS program are exempt from having to pay the $40 fee to submit their UWG application. After filling out the application, simply choose the Georgia STEPPS button under the Application Fee Waivers section. Once you are ready to submit, click Finalize and Pay in Review. You WILL NOT have to pay the application fee.

Yes! Applicants are welcome to apply to the University of West Georgia as a non-traditional or transfer student but are still required to complete the application process and meet all necessary admissions requirements.

Yes! Students who participate in the program will receive funding from the Georgia Department of Corrections to cover their program of choice. The amount of funding received may vary from student to student and will be determined by the GDC. Students may also receive federal assistance (FAFSA/Pell Grant).

You can gain more information about the Georgia STEPPS program by visiting the following website. You may also contact Dr. Dave Ayers by email at ga-stepps@westga.edu or the GDC by email at staff.education@gdc.ga.gov.