Certificate Programs Offer Quick Learning for Busy Professionals Self-Starters Thrive Online By Rodney Welch
I
f you want to start a new career or advance in your chosen field, but can’t squeeze regular school attendance into your schedule, an online certificate may be just what you’re looking for.
Both the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College offer online certification programs that let students work at their own pace and in their own home. “One of the best advantages of online learning is that you have flexibility in terms of when and where you will study while having classroom access 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” says Cathy Pitts, director of programs for the Corporate and Continuing Education Division at Midlands Technical College. Not only that, but there’s no travel or endless searches for decent parking. “One of the logistical advantages that
students receive from the online format is that while they still receive a real-time, interactive learning experience with their instructor, they are relieved of the time, cost and logistical burden of traveling to and from a physical site,” says Tiffany Hoefer, program manager for the Professional Education area within USC’s Department of Continuing Education and Conferences. Certificate programs “are a solution for those who want to get a short-term, highly career-oriented, compressed program to get out into the job market,” said Carol Aslanian, senior vice president of market research at EducationDynamics, said in a 2010 U.S. News and World Report article.
Project Management, Computer and Web Skills, Paralegal Studies and More The University of South Carolina offers non-credit certificate programs in several growing career fields, such as Grant Writing, Project Management, Paralegal Studies, and training in Six Sigma models. Although these classes are more accessible in terms of convenience, they aren’t just shortcuts. “All certificates are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the concepts involved with the particular course of study,” Hoefer said. “Each program requires student interaction and ability to demonstrate and apply the principles learned in the classes.” The Six Sigma Program is a series of product quality and business efficiency strategies that have been adopted by companies across the country. The program involves an infrastructure for both green belt and black belt certification, both of which are offered at USC. The Green Belt certification takes one month to complete and costs $2,995; Black Belt takes two months and costs $4,995. “The Six Sigma Green and Black Belt certificate programs each require a student to demonstrate understanding of the principles learned in class through test assignments, and Black Belt students complete an additional project,” Hoefer says. “These
December 26, 2012-January 1, 2013 | facebook.com/freetimes | twitter.com/freetimessc | free-times.com
assessments help show employers that our students must be able to understand and apply the knowledge shared through the course.” The Six Sigma participants come from a variety of industries, she said, such as insurance and manufacturing, among others. USC’s popular online Paralegal Studies certificate program takes six months to complete and costs $4,995. Paralegal students at USC, Hoefer said, are tested on each individual area of study (Introduction to Law, Torts and Personal Injury Law, Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation, Family Law, and Contract Law), and must complete and pass individual assignments. “The paralegal program can be applied cross-industries, as it teaches research, multi-tasking and technical writing skills,” Hoefer says. “Our students tend to use it in the law field — or as a stepping stone to prepare for law school.” Popular certificate programs at Midlands Tech, according to Pitts, include grant writing, project management, computer technology (especially Microsoft Office products such as Excel, as well as web design and maintenance), business writing and “soft skills” classes, such as leadership. Class durations vary from six weeks to about a year, with costs ranging from $99 to $5,000. “Students can easily interact with each
get ahead 31
For more information Centura College centuracollege.edu
Certificates for HVAC technician, network technician, medical billing & coding specialist and medical assistant. Contact for details of online offerings. Drexel University drexel.com
Offers 45 online certificate programs in areas including business, clinical research, education, engineering, information science, healthcare and more. ECPI University ecpi.edu
Online degree programs in technology, information systems, accounting, criminal justice, food service management, healthcare and more. Kaplan University kupace.com
Online certificate programs in information technology, healthcare, accounting, human resources and more.
32 get ahead
Penn State worldcampus.psu.edu
Online certificate programs in nursing, information technology, digital arts, project management, statistics, supply chain management, community development and more. University of California – Berkeley Extension extension.berkeley.edu/online/#certificates
Online certificate programs in accounting, business analysis, editing, marketing, paralegal studies, project management and more. University of Phoenix phoenix.edu
Online certificate programs in human resource management, project management and technology. USC Certificate Programs saeu.sc.edu/conted/link/certificates
Online certification in lean six sigma, paralegal studies, project management and grant writing. Midlands Technical Certificate Programs mtctraining.com/CertPrograms2.htm
Programs in a wide range of careers; contact for details.
other and communicate with the instructor freely,” Pitts said. “Our online instructors are subject matter experts and are wellexperienced in the field of online delivery of instruction.”
No to Aid, But Yes to Loans Although FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and VA Student Loan benefits do not apply to online certificate programs, students at both USC and Midlands Tech may qualify for loans through other sources, such as Sallie Mae Smart Option Loans. “The application process is fast and is among the highest in acceptance rates in
the industry,” Pitts said. Also, this route “offers an alternative loan to students, which allows deferment while in school, additional expenses for books, fees, equipment, and even living expenses, along with flexible repayment options. If your credit is in question, you can still apply with a cosigner.” For Pitts, the best online students tend to be self-starters. “Successful online learners are typically those who are well-organized and who can pace themselves without the constant need for reminders,” she said. “These learner characteristics translate well into well-developed employee characteristics.”
free-times.com | twitter.com/freetimessc | facebook.com/freetimes | December 26, 2012-January 1, 2013
HVAC Medical Computer Assisting Technician Networking
Medical Billing & Coding
Unsure about a four-year program? We offer career training in months, not years! • Rapid Path to Graduation • Financial Aid if Qualified • Job Placement Assistance • Day and Evening Classes
800-458-3077
Located on 7500 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC. Accredited School, ACCSC.
Criminal Justice December 26, 2012-January 1, 2013 | facebook.com/freetimes | twitter.com/freetimessc | free-times.com
get ahead 33
A Bridge Across Planning Ahead for a Smooth College Transfer By Allison Caldwell
L
ing the destination school’s transfer requirements well in advance is critical. Bridge programs help to educate students at the start of their college careers, and this ultimately makes the transfer experience more efficient, productive and rewarding.” Dalzell says USC has course-by-course transfer agreements with all 16 of South Carolina’s state technical colleges. These agreements make it possible for college students to plan ahead and make wise course choices that will pay off when it’s time to transfer. Students who participate in either one of USC’s two bridge programs receive guidance from college advisors who stay up-to-date on USC’s transfer policies and requirements. Program advisors help participants understand which classes they should take to maximize transfer credit for their intended major at Carolina. The same goes for transBridges 101: What You fers to most other four-year schools as well. Should Know According to the SC Technical College “Bridge programs provide support for System, eligible students may participate in students who plan to transfer from one bridge programs in one of two ways: They college to another,” says Andrew Dalzell, are either invited to participate by the fourassistant director of transfer initiatives at the year college to which they applied, but were University of South Carolina. “Understanddenied admission; or they apply to a techniiOS FreeTimesAD Oct12_Layout 1 11/9/12 4:56 PM Page 1 iterally and figuratively speaking, bridges are wonderful things. They help us get from Point A to Point B. They signify stability, transition and connectivity. For would-be college students, all of those things and more are true about bridge programs, designed to help students successfully transfer from one school to another — typically from two-year to fouryear degree programs. Although four-year schools aren’t the right choice for everyone, there are many students who might benefit from starting out at a two-year school and then “bridging the gap” to a four-year program. Especially if grades or money are an issue, bridge programs offer viable solutions to eventually earning a four-year college degree.
Develop apps for the iPhone and iPad In 2013, developing applications will be one of the top IT skills in demand. In just the past four years, $4 billion has been paid to app developers!
Be a part of this exciting and growing industry! Let MTC show you how. iOS Application Development for iPhone and iPad • January 28-February 1, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, Northeast Campus, $1299 Not already familiar with basic programming concepts? Then get started with: Introduction to Objective-C programming • January 14-January 18, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, Northeast Campus, $1299
Hurry, classes start soon – Register today while space is still available! Go to mtctraining.com or call (803) 732-0432.
Bridge-Building: A Head Start Learn more about bridge programs at Midlands-area schools. Benedict College benedict.edu/bridge, 705-4749 Columbia College columbiacollegesc.edu/bridge Midlands Tech midlandstech.edu/bridge, 738-7743 SC Technical College System sctechsystem.edu/bridge.html SCTRAC sctrac.org USC Office of Transfer Initiatives sc.edu/bridge, 777-2242
cal college as a transfer student and identify themselves as desiring to participate in one of the college’s bridge programs. Bridge program participants generally may transfer after completing what amounts to a full freshman year of college-level coursework and attaining the GPA required by the college to which they are transferring. Students in bridge programs typically experience a streamlined transition when transferring to a four-year institution, and see greater success after they have transferred.
Two Bridge Program Options at USC USC’s nonresidential bridge program was established in 2007; it is open to all students enrolled in a South Carolina state technical college who have not attended a school outside of the technical college system, and who have completed no more than 45 semester hours of non-remedial college course work. “Bridge students receive ongoing support from both technical college and university student service personnel,” says Dalzell. “There are no additional fees associated with being in USC’s bridge program.” USC also offers a residential bridge program called Gamecock Gateway, which started in fall of 2012. Gamecock Gateway is an invitation-only program for high school students who are identified via their freshman application to the university. “Gamecock Gateway is a partnership between Midlands Technical College and the University of South Carolina, where students live on USC’s campus while they attend classes at Midlands Tech,” Dalzell says. Gateway students pay additional fees to participate in the program. Additionally, Midlands Technical College offers bridge programs to Benedict College, Columbia College, Newberry College and Lander University in Greenwood.
Lessons Learned: The Benefits of Bridging It There’s nothing like spending hardearned cash on books and tuition — not to
34 get ahead
mention lots of time — at a technical school early on, only to find out later that your credits won’t transfer to your four-year program of choice. It’s a frustrating (and expensive) experience to be sure, but one that can easily be avoided by taking time to plan ahead. “The most common mistake we see transfer students make is when they don’t take time to understand the admission requirements of their transfer school before they apply,” says Dalzell. “It seems really simple, but thoroughly reading the school’s admissions website, and even speaking to an admissions officer, can prevent headaches in the long run.” “Another thing that might seem obvious, but needs to be mentioned, is paying attention to application deadlines. Every college has different deadlines, and it’s important to meet those deadlines so you don’t have to wait for another semester to pass before you can be considered for admission.” Being realistic about your schedule and your finances before you apply is also helpful, says Dalzell. “Will you have to work to fund your degree? If so, how many hours will you have to work per week? Does that leave you enough time to study and do well in school? If the answer to your transfer application is ‘yes,’ are you ready, willing and able to dedicate the time necessary to being a successful student at your new college? And finally, what is the environment like at the college where you hope to transfer? Have you taken time to visit the school and assess whether or not it is a good fit for you?” Thinking through these details is key, Dalzell says — and bridge programs can help students do that. “These are all questions that can be addressed in a bridge program setting, where students have the luxury of time to evaluate their strengths and interests, to benefit from the counsel of college administrators on both sides, and to develop a strong understanding of why, where, and how they plan to transfer in one or two years.”
Get Started: Building Your Own Bridge If you’re trying to decide if a bridge program is right for you, the South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center (SC TRAC) is a good place to start. This web-based clearinghouse (sctrac.org) is a one-stop shop for transfer students, administrators and advisors/faculty. For a more personal approach, don’t forget to contact the transfer advisor or bridge program coordinator at your school(s) of choice. Whether through bridge programs or otherwise, preparing South Carolina’s students for college success has become a top priority for the state’s business, community and legislative leaders. Together, several Midlands-area organizations have formed the Graduation Imperative to advance this goal; visit graduationimperative.org for more information.
free-times.com | twitter.com/freetimessc | facebook.com/freetimes | December 26, 2012-January 1, 2013
December 26, 2012-January 1, 2013 | facebook.com/freetimes | twitter.com/freetimessc | free-times.com
get ahead 35