BCC Offers Business, Liberal Arts Degrees Online
PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) now offers a completely online option for associate degrees and certificates in business and liberal arts.
The two programs, which will be available to students this fall, support the MassTransfer program.
The online offerings align with the College's vision of providing "equitable, accessible and transformative learning opportunities focused on the current and evolving needs of our diverse community," explained Laurie Gordy, Vice President of Academic Affairs. "Offering these programs online allows BCC to provide the same high-quality and student-centered experience in ways that are more accessible and flexible in meeting students where they are."
Students who earn their education online can schedule advising, registration and financial aid appointments remotely, eliminating the need to come to campus. Online students also enjoy the same support services as in-person students, including virtual counseling, coaching, access to the Writing Center, library resources and tutoring services.
"BCC's online business program meets every student's scheduling needs while still offering access to faculty for advising. Our business students attend BCC to obtain a solid business education and either enter directly into the workforce or to transfer to a four-year college, including UMass Isenberg," said Karen Hines, Associate Professor of Business and Business Program Advisor. "Our business students will tell you that given our small class sizes and access to faculty, they are well prepared to enter a four-year college."
The business program offers an associate degree in business administration, an associate degree in business careers and a certificate in entrepreneurship. The degrees are "stackable," allowing students who earn a certificate to move into an associate degree, or enter into an associate degree and decide the certificate best suits their needs.
The liberal arts program offers associate degrees in biological science, elementary education, liberal arts, psychology concentration and sociology concentration. The goal of the program is to develop students' foundational knowledge and skills through a wide variety of academic disciplines.
"A degree in liberal arts is an excellent place to start for careers in the social sciences and humanities," Nell McCabe, Associate Professor of English and Liberal Arts Program Advisor said. "It's also an ideal program for students who want a college education, but aren't yet sure what career path is right for them. Like the traditional program, the online pathway prioritizes student agency and choice so you can explore opportunities while building your educational foundation and developing skills that employers are looking for, such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking."
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