History
Clayton State University opened in 1969 as Clayton Junior College, with Dr. Harry S. Downs as the founding president. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia elevated the institution to baccalaureate status (as Clayton State College) in 1986, to university status (as Clayton College & State University) in 1996 and approved the present name on May 18, 2005.
Education
At Clayton State, dreams are made real every day in our top-ranked, highly engaged programs. Students have many opportunities for not only classroom learning but experiential learning as well, guided by award-winning faculty—faculty who get to know you and your plans for the future.
- 60+ undergraduate majors and minors
- 8 master’s degrees and 15+ master’s concentrations
Research
The Office of Institutional Research is responsible for consistent, accurate, and timely official reporting of Clayton State institutional information; using research and analysis in support of institutional management, assessment and planning; to facilitate decision-making and institutional improvement.
Career
While at Clayton State, your job is to explore. To discover your strengths and define what you want to do with them. To seize opportunities that come your way. Our job in Career Services is to help make all of that possible for you. At every stage of your college career, we provide the resources you need for success both during your time here and in your professional life after graduation. From resume building and interview guidance to career fairs, internships and career coaching, there is no shortage of pathways to making your dream real.
Distance Learning Courses
Business & Management (2)
- M.Sc. Supply Chain Analytics
Humanities (1)
- MAS Archival Studies
Social Sciences (1)
- MAS Archival Studies
Housing services
Our campus will be your home away from home as you work toward making your dream real, and we want you to feel welcomed and comfortable. One way to really get to know Clayton State and ease into life as a Laker is by living on campus.
Laker Hall is Clayton State’s student residence for first-year students. The apartment-style layout gives each student a private space to relax, study or hang out with friends. It’s your home away from home.
Laker Village is specially designed for upperclassmen seeking comfortable apartment-style accommodations that offer convenient access to the University.
Library services
The purpose of Library instruction is to introduce students to the resources, materials, and services available in the Clayton State Library and to assist them in using these resources. In addition to general introductory classes that are routinely offered each semester, the librarians will tailor classes for specialized courses.
Medical services
Colds and fevers, aches and sprains, check-ups and wellness exams—when you need to talk to a doctor, University Health Services is there for you. Student health fees mean that all enrolled students have access to our primary-care services, so you never need to worry that there won’t be help you when need it.
Campus life
The campus feels like a second home, including 214 acres of park-like beauty and an inclusive and supportive community of students, faculty, and staff.
Sports facilities
The Department of Recreation & Wellness is responsible for the operation and management of the 26,500 square foot SAC Fitness Center and a number of other facilities on campus.
- Tennis Courts
- Basketball Courts
- Challenge Course
- Disc Golf Course
- Cardio Floor
- Strength Floor
- Group Fitness Classes
- Special Events & Programs
- Personal Training
- Physical Fitness Assessments
- Massage Therapy
Student clubs
If you aren’t getting involved in extracurricular activities, you’re missing out on one of the greatest parts of being a college student: the opportunity to explore. There are so many ways to be active and engaged in the things you know you love—and just as many ways to discover interests you didn’t even know you had. Our 80+ student organizations are the perfect place to start.
Clayton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees.