BCCC announces first online degrees, diplomas and certificates to begin in the fall | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Beaufort County Community College will offer its first online degrees beginning with the Fall 2014 Semester, making it possible for students to obtain an associate's degree, diploma or certificate in one of several fields without having to travel to campus.

    Six associate degrees, two diplomas and nine certificates are available to students who can complete them via the Internet.

    They include an associate in arts degree and associate degrees in applied science in Computer Information Technology, Computer Programming, Criminal Justice, Medical Office Administration and Office Administration. Diplomas will be available in Business Administration and Criminal Justice. Certificates will be available in General Accounting, Business Administration, Web Development and Design, Computer Hardware Repair and Troubleshooting, Networking Support, C++ Programming, Virtual Basic Programming, Basics of Criminal Justice and Corrections.

    The move is part of an effort by BCCC to expand options for study available to those who live at a distance from or who lack reliable transportation to the campus but want to continue their studies or upgrade their job skills.

    "Online courses can be a great choice for students, particularly those who have to drive 25 miles or more to come to our campus," Vice President of Academics Crystal Ange said.

    The online course and degree content will be the same as on-campus courses and degrees. Students in Internet-based degree, diploma and certificate programs will still have assignments and deadlines - but not seated instruction on campus.

    And just as other associate degree programs take students on campus two years to complete, online associate degree programs will also take students two years to complete, Ange said.

    Students in online degree, diploma and certificate programs at BCCC will visit their "classrooms" via Blackboard, the Internet-based course management system in use at the college.

    Dean of Business and Industrial Technology Ben Morris said the implementation of the new programs is, in part, a result of the college's large service area - at 2,008 square miles, the largest in the state.

    "A lot of places offer online education, but this is something that I think will provide a quality education to people in our service area," he said.

    Existing or returning students may register for online degree programs at BCCC's Advising Center open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Room 920 of Building 9 through Wednesday, Aug. 13.

    New students may apply to enroll in BCCC at the Admissions Office in Building 9 on the BCCC campus or on the BCCC website at www.beaufortccc.edu. New students should apply at least three weeks before registration to ensure the admissions process is completed.

    New students may register for the online degree, diploma and certificate programs following new student orientation, mandatory for newly-enrolled students. Students may either complete a new student orientation online or attend one of three orientation sessions at BCCC on Tuesday, June 24, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Building 8 on the BCCC campus.

    For more information about BCCC's new online programs, contact Daniel Wilson, director of Admissions and Recruitment, at 252-940-6233.

    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training, and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the College.