South Piedmont Community College has learned through COVID-19 that flexible learning options are essential learning tools for students, not just during a pandemic, but for meeting the individualized needs of today’s busy adults. Starting in August, SPCC will offer its first program that enables students to earn an Associate in Arts in a Year.
Any high school graduate is eligible to enroll in the program. Launching this fall, the inaugural class will be limited to 24 students at a tuition of $1,500 for the entire year-long program. In addition, this first cohort will be provided a laptop, headset, and internet hotspot to help ensure and support student success.
“The AA in a Year provides access to education for working adults during a time when students wish to stay closer to home,” said Dr. Diane Paige, dean of arts and sciences. “The program is designed to enable college-bound students to continue their studies by creating a unique educational experience for students that takes the guesswork out of degree planning.”
Students enrolled in the fast-track degree program will be able to take two classes at a time during five week blocks, either online or in-person. The program begins August 15 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings to allow those with jobs to attend classes. Experienced instructors will help guide students through the year-long program by pairing relevant classes together offering a more cohesive experience.
“Students get the experience of working in a tightly-knit cohort and working closely with faculty,” explained Paige. “Additionally, the program is highly affordable, taught by engaging faculty, and consists of fully transferable credits.”
Students enrolled in this program will also be eligible for our Road2Wingate pathway where they can enter as a junior at Wingate University and earn their four-year degree in only two additional years. The total tuition cost for one year at South Piedmont plus two years at Wingate would be $6,500, which is well below the state average.
To learn more about the Associate in Arts in a Year program, visit the SPCC website at www.spcc.edu/associate-in-a-year.
Hear from Dr. Pharr and Dr. Brown on how the AA in a Year works with the Road2Wingate: https://youtu.be/weEFZQps1nw
Written by Misty McMillan