FVSU is a fully accredited, comprehensive, four-year institution committed to providing strong academic programs, online courses and extracurricular activities to students. The University provides instruction, research, and public and extension services, consistent with its land-grant and public functions, for all segments of the population to achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.
The university's 3,000-plus students represent 136 of Georgia's 159 counties, more than 25 states and approximately seven international countries. Ninety-six percent of the student body is African American. The average age is 23 for undergraduates and 34 for graduate students. About one-third or 39% of students live on campus, and 85 percent attend college full-time.
The university offers bachelor's degrees in more than 50 majors - education, business administration and agriculture are particularly popular - as well as master's degrees in education and counseling. In Fall 2013 two new, rigorous academic program for high-achieving Wildcats were developed: Honors Program and Undergraduate Research Program. Both initiatives provide a challenging environment that can lead to better opportunities at the nation's top graduate school and professional programs. The campus' dual-enrollment program, University Today Scholars, helps high school students earn college credit while working toward their diploma.
The university has the only certified veterinary technology program in the state. A unique partnership with Zoo Atlanta provides future veterinarians hands-on experience in caring for exotic animals.
Fort Valley State University's Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP) teams with major oil and energy companies across the nation to launch the careers of minorities and women in the industry. CDEP, the only program of its kind in the nation, offers dual degrees in math, engineering, chemistry, biology, health physics and geoscience.
Fort Valley had an economic impact of more than $157 million during FY 2012.