Emory University - Global Focus in the South
Private • Research University • Atlanta, Georgia • 14,000+ Total Students
Emory University was another fascinating stop on my college tour. Located in Atlanta, Emory offers students an interesting combination: the close-knit feel and foundation of a liberal arts education with the resources of a major research university and a world-class medical center.
One of the things that stood out to me about Emory is the breadth of opportunities available to students. Emory receives approximately $1 billion annually in research funding, creating tremendous opportunities for students interested in research, healthcare, science, business, and other fields.
Emory College & Oxford College
One important distinction for prospective students is that Emory College and Oxford College are not the same campus experience.
Oxford College is located about 40 miles east of Atlanta in the small town of Oxford, Georgia. It is significantly smaller than Emory's Atlanta campus and focuses on the first two years of an Emory undergraduate education. Students who begin at Oxford later transition to Emory's Atlanta campus to complete their bachelor's degree.
The smaller setting at Oxford can be particularly appealing to students who want a more intimate liberal arts experience during their first two years. Emory's Atlanta campus, by contrast, provides access to a larger university environment, extensive research opportunities, the business school, and Emory's healthcare system.
A Premed Powerhouse
Emory has a particularly strong reputation among students interested in medicine and healthcare. With Emory Healthcare and a major hospital on campus, students have access to an environment where medicine, research, and undergraduate education intersect.
For aspiring physicians and other healthcare professionals, this can be a major advantage. Students can find opportunities to explore clinical experiences, research, public health, and other areas of healthcare while completing their undergraduate education.
Academics with a Liberal Arts Foundation
Although Emory is a major research university, students receive a strong liberal arts foundation. The curriculum encourages students to explore different disciplines while developing skills in writing, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
Students can study a wide range of subjects, including areas that may not immediately come to mind when thinking about Emory. Creative writing is one example, and the university also offers opportunities to study languages such as Japanese and Russian.
Emory also has a strong global focus, making it a good option for students who want an education that extends beyond the United States.
Goizueta Business School
Emory's Goizueta Business School is another major draw. Undergraduate students interested in business have access to a highly regarded business program within the larger university.
Students interested in business should pay attention to the requirements and timing for declaring their concentration and plan their coursework accordingly.
A Diverse and International Community
One of the things I noticed during my visit was how diverse the Emory campus felt. The university has a large international student population, which contributes to a campus community where students are exposed to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
For students who want a college environment that feels globally connected, this is an important part of the Emory experience. The diversity of the student body, combined with Emory's emphasis on global learning, creates opportunities to broaden your perspective without necessarily having to leave campus.
The Emory Community
Emory also places a strong emphasis on community engagement. Approximately 80% of students participate in volunteer or community service activities, reflecting the university's emphasis on using education to make a difference beyond the classroom.
The university's approach to developing students goes beyond academics. Emory emphasizes qualities such as being empathetic, patient, collaborative, and a leader. Students also have access to tutoring and academic support when they need additional assistance.
Another interesting part of the first-year experience is Emory College 101, a required course designed to help freshmen transition into the university community and become familiar with the resources and opportunities available to them.
Dooley the Skeleton: Emory's Most Unusual Tradition
One of Emory's most distinctive traditions is Dooley, the university's unofficial skeleton mascot. Known as the Lord of Misrule, Dooley has been part of Emory's campus culture for more than a century. The skeleton makes appearances throughout the academic year, sometimes interrupting classes and giving students a welcome break from their studies.
Dooley is especially associated with Dooley's Week, a campus tradition featuring student activities, entertainment, and celebrations. Although Dooley's identity is kept secret, the character has become a beloved symbol of Emory's school spirit and sense of humor.
It's a fun reminder that even at a rigorous research university like Emory, campus life includes traditions that bring students together and create a shared sense of community.
Life on Campus
Emory requires students to live on campus for their first two years, which helps create a strong residential community during the early college years.
There are also plenty of opportunities to explore beyond academics. The campus includes a museum, and Atlanta itself provides an enormous range of cultural, professional, entertainment, and internship opportunities.
For students who want the traditional residential college experience but also want access to a major metropolitan area, Emory offers an appealing combination.
My Take
What stood out to me about Emory was the way it combines liberal arts education, major research opportunities, healthcare, business, and global experiences.
It could be an especially strong fit for students interested in pre-med, business, research, creative writing, languages, or global studies who also want access to a major city.
And for students trying to decide between a smaller liberal arts environment and a large research university, the Emory College versus Oxford College option is particularly interesting. Oxford provides a much smaller, more intimate beginning, while the Atlanta campus offers the resources and opportunities of a major research university.
I also appreciated the diversity and international presence I experienced on campus. For students looking for a rigorous academic environment with a global perspective, Emory offers a lot to explore.
Emory is a school worth considering for students who want their undergraduate experience to be both academically rigorous and deeply connected to the world around them.
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