Belmont Tech unveils new degree programs
By KATIE MATZ, Times Leader Staff WriterArticle Photos
ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Belmont Technical College's faculty and administration announced Wednesday evening that they "finally did it."
The college will now be offering Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees, which will allow students to take the first two years of a bachelor's degree program.
BTC is able to offer the new two-year transfer degrees as a result of action taken in September by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, the college's regional accrediting body.
"As the cost of higher education increases and the Ohio economy continues to struggle, affordability of higher education has become a key factor in students ability to pursue their educational goals," said BTC President Dr. Joseph E. Bukowski. "These new degrees enable students at Belmont Technical College to complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree at a significantly lower cost. Now, members of our community have even greater access to higher education opportunities and unlimited potential for their future."
The courses in both degree pathways are consistent with the core curriculum offered in the freshman and sophomore years at four-year colleges and universities and include a full liberal arts curriculum. The AA program emphasizes the humanities and social sciences, whereas the AS program emphasizes mathematics and the natural sciences. Both degrees lay the necessary foundation for bachelor s degrees in the arts, sciences, fine arts, business, engineering, and other disciplines.
The curriculum for both degrees has been approved in the Ohio Transfer Module (TM) and the Ohio Transfer Assurance Guides (TAGs), which assures students that their course work at BTC meets state standards when transferring to a public four-year college or university in the state of Ohio. Additionally, BTC has arranged articulation agreements both in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities to ensure transferability of course work beyond Ohio.
"The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are the true transfer degrees in Ohio. While we are excited about these new degrees, we want to stress that we will continue to offer the technical degrees for those looking to secure employment after graduation," explained Elizabeth Gates, Board of Trustees Chair.
Janet Jacobs, chair of the BTC Foundation Board, explained that the need for better educated citizens has never been more important. "With the ability to offer the first two years of the bachelor s degree, BTC will have a major impact on college degree attainment in the Ohio Valley."
"We are proud and excited to provide these opportunities to our current and future students," said Bukowski. "No matter what career path students choose, their potential is now unlimited with Belmont Technical College. While these two new degree offerings are an exciting opportunity for our community, Belmont Technical College will continue its commitment to provide the excellent technical training and degree programs we have always provided.
"Our students' potential is more, perhaps, than they have sometimes allowed themselves to dream," said Dr. May Charles, Professor of English. "But we, as faculty, never forgot to dream for them. We never forgot to fight for their opportunities. The potential that now looms so large so unlimited is only what we have envisioned all along. It is only where we knew in our hearts they could go."
Brook McFee is planning to get her associate degree in nursing at Belmont Technical College, and transfer those credits for her bachelor's degree. "The fact that BTC credits transfer is very important to my future career," said McFee. "I am very happy that BTC can offer this opportunity to us," added Glenn Artimez, an engineering student.
Through these new degrees, BTC will help graduate more students by making degree attainment more accessible in the local community. Further, BTC will be contributing to the statewide, strategic goal of the University System of Ohio to raise the educational accomplishments and economic status of the state and to close the gap between Ohio and other states.
Following the announcement, Bukowski concluded that the new bachelor's degree program will be effective immediately, and proudly told the audience, "I really believe our day has come."
Matz may be reached at matz@timesleaderonline.com
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ValleySenior
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10-27-08 7:31 PM
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Now that you have finally done it...do you intend to upgrade your faculty to a minimum requirement of a Masters Degree????????
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