Cleveland State Community College offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business in 18 months at all CSCC sites—the main campus in Cleveland, in Athens, Tn. at the Athens Center, as well as the Monroe County Center in Vonore, Tn.
Officials said the Advance Business program is the college’s accelerated program that offers students a quick and convenient way to obtain a college degree. This option is suitable for highly motivated and mature adults that are seeking an A.A.S. in Business. Many business students obtain their A.A.S. in 18 months at Cleveland State and a bachelor’s degree in an additional 18-24 months at a selected four-year college or university.
According to Candice Patterson, associate professor/director of the Advance Business Program, the majority of Advance students are working adults who thrive in this scheduling option because they are enrolled with their peers, those with similar responsibilities and obstacles.
Ms. Patterson said, “Since students go through all of their classes as a group, they form incredibly strong bonds and connections. At times, we have even seen these connections lead to job opportunities and / or job advancement.”
The Advance program was great,” said Melissa Davis, Advance Business program graduate. “I really liked that we only had class one day a week and that most of the assignments are online. I also like that we were able to work at our own pace as long as we met the deadlines. This program is made for working adults, and the professors are understanding of this.”
The schedule for the Advance program is so accommodating that the majority of students are able to work and go to school. According to Ms. Patterson, the common factor for all Advance students is the relentless pursuit of a degree and the willingness to do what it takes to be successful. Students have to have a strong dedication to earning a degree. The benefits of the Advance Business program include attending class one night a week, completing the degree in a fast-paced format and working with the same group of students throughout the program. Students complete online assignments throughout the week in preparation for their Thursday evening classes.
Ms. Davis said, “I had wanted to go back to school for 18 years, and I wanted that degree. The classes got easier as I learned better time-management and study habits. I also made friends with my classmates which made the classes fun.”
In a recent survey conducted of Advance students, 43 percent said that during the program, they had received a raise or promotion, while 62 percent anticipated receiving further incentives upon graduation.
Cleveland State also offers the Tennessee Reconnect Scholarship, a scholarship for adults to earn an associate degree or technical certificate, tuition-free.
The next Advance Business group begins this fall. Fall registration is going on now, and classes begin on Monday, Aug. 24. For more information on CSCC’s Advance program, visit mycs.cc/advance or email advance_business@clevelandstatecc.edu.