Traditionally, teaching is the essential mission of American universities. Through its thirteen colleges and schools, the University of Georgia offers programs of general, advanced, and specialized study in virtually all traditional academic disciplines and in various professional and applied fields.

At the undergraduate level, the university provides an associate degree and 19 baccalaureate degrees with concentrations in 173 major fields. At the graduate level, the University offers 25 master's degrees in 130 areas of concentration, 30 educational specialist degree programs, and doctoral degrees – Ph.D, Ed.D., D.M.A., and D.P.A. – in 93 areas. In addition, professional degree programs are available in law (JD), and pharmacy (PHARMD), and veterinary medicine (DVM).

The continuing vitality of the University's programs of instruction, with the many services to constituencies, depends upon this strong commitment to scholarship and to basic and applied research in diverse academic disciplines. A Research I institution, the University engages in research and scholarly inquiry within most recognized fields of advanced or specialized study.

To contribute to a better understanding of our world, to preserve our environmental heritage, and to educate and prepare future generations of scientists and scholars, the University uses it resources and expertise in the investigation of problems related to all areas of human endeavor.

To preserve the intellectual and cultural heritages of the region and the nation, the University assumes responsibility for the preservation, maintenance, and expansions of collections in its libraries and museums.

To advance knowledge through the arts, the University encourages and supports student and faculty creativity in music, drama, poetry, fiction, dance, and the visual arts.

The University also encourages international communication and collaboration in research and other scholarly endeavors.