Prison Education Programs

UWG aims to serve our students, industries, organizations, region, and state in ways that benefit all. A well educated citizenry and reduction in recidivism serves the entire community and its citizens.

Offering a bachelor’s degree to currently incarcerated persons helps create a more informed population and reduces recidivism. Upon release, formerly incarcerated individuals who earn their bachelor’s degrees have a much higher likelihood of acquiring legitimate employment that is both fulfilling and provides a living wage. In turn, they are less likely to commit crime, which makes communities in Georgia safer.

UWG offers two of the only 65 bachelor’s degrees in prisons across the nation.
- Two of only three bachelor’s degrees in the state of Georgia
- The only University System of Georgia bachelor’s degrees in prisons.
Students in the Prison Education Programs earn a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies that prepares incarcerated students for careers that are not only in demand but also for careers in fields in which their experience with the criminal justice system and rehabilitation is valued.
UWG’s Prison Education Programs are offered at Hays State Prison in Trion, GA and beginning fall 2024 at United States Penitentiary (USP), Atlanta, GA.

Experiential, Applied and Career-Related Learning Opportunitiesfor UWG free world students:

Junior and Senior Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students

Junior and Senior Undergraduate Students:

Internship/Practicum: 1 semester, includes 3 - 6 credit hours toward undergraduate degree
Student Assistant: 1 academic year; includes monthly stipend (mileage reimbursement)

Priority is given to Sociology and Social and Behavioral Health majors who have above average oral and written communication skills along with a strong record of self-discipline, punctuality, and professionalism. Students with minors in Sociology or majors in English, Math, Natural Sciences, History, Education, Political Science, and Criminology are also encouraged to apply.

Graduate Students:

Graduate Teaching Assistantship: 1 academic year; includes tuition waiver and monthly stipend (mileage reimbursement)
Graduate Research Assistant: 1 academic year; includes tuition waiver and monthly stipend (mileage reimbursement)
Graduate Internship/Practicum: 1 semester, includes 3 - 6 credit hours toward graduate degree

Priority is given to students who have excellent oral and written communication skills along with a strong record of self-discipline, punctuality, and professionalism. Students who are earning a Master’s degree in Sociology, English, Natural Sciences, Education, Public Administration, and Criminology are encouraged to apply.