Beginning in January 2010, students may attend Davidson County Community College to earn their bachelor’s degree in birth through kindergarten education from Catawba College to prepare for a career as a preschool or kindergarten teacher in public or private schools.
The program is designed for those with an associate of applied science degree in early childhood education, one of the most popular majors at DCCC. Students may earn their four-year bachelor’s degree in four semesters by completing one course per month at DCCC.
With so many DCCC early childhood graduates driving to Salisbury to complete their four-year degrees in B-K education from Catawba College, the two colleges collaborated to allow students to earn their bachelor’s degrees in Davidson County.
In spring 2009, Catawba’s enrollment in the B-K education major was 85, and 37 of these students were DCCC early childhood education graduates. In fall 2009, 17 new DCCC graduates enrolled in the B-K program at Catawba.
“DCCC administrators have been very supportive of developing an on-site bachelor’s degree completion program since no accredited institution offering the bachelor’s degree has a home campus in Davidson County,” said Edith Bolick, dean of Catawba College’s School of Evening and Graduate Studies.
Classes will begin Jan. 7 in the Mendenhall Building. Students will attend classes on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9:45 p.m., along with one Saturday class each month from 8 to 11:45 a.m.
“We are so pleased to offer space on our campus to Catawba for so many of our students who are continuing their education,” said Dr. Mary Rittling, DCCC president.
“Tuition is comparable to other North Carolina public universities and financial aid is available,” she said.
For additional information, contact Ann McMurray, associate dean of DCCC Student Development at 336-249-8186, ext. 6308, or e-mail her at amcmurr@davidsonccc.edu, or contact Catawba College School of Evening and Graduate Studies, 704-637-4772, or visitwww.catawba.edu.