D’Youville is set to launch an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences, now that it has received approval from the New York State Department of Education’s Board of Regents.
“We are thrilled to move forward with our associate degree program, as it is yet another example of how D’Youville seeks to expand educational opportunity and equity for area students,” says Georita M. Frierson, PhD, vice president of academic affairs.
The associate degree program is designed to meet the unique needs of today’s students and will be offered in a small, cohort format with comprehensive academic and social support, a style with proven success for the current generation of college students. The curriculum includes at least 45 credits in the liberal arts and sciences, complemented by courses that promote exploration of purpose and professions, and courses with computing and communication skills for the workplace.
“The associate degree program will not only serve first-generational students who often face significant barriers to higher education but will also offer students in four-year programs the ability to earn a degree along the way” Frierson says. “This degree is a stackable, affordable degree path for students who need flexibility and credentials for our complex society.”
The projected full-time enrollment in the associate degree program during its first year is 15 students. Each entering cohort will be capped at 20 full-time students. The program will offer courses that count toward general education requirements of all existing D’Youville degree programs for students wishing to pursue further education.
“Our region faces an anticipated shortage of 10,000 healthcare workers and 3,000 skilled workers over the next decade,” Frierson says. “In addition to offering a clear pathway toward future baccalaureate degrees, our associate degree program also will allow a seamless and efficient transition into newly designed health professions pathways established at D’Youville to help address workforce shortages.”
Although the full-time associate degree program will not launch until the fall, the degree will be available as early as this May to eligible students who, for various reasons, may need to pause their educational plans. In this way, they will be able to graduate with a degree and still have the opportunity to return to D’Youville for a bachelor’s degree or beyond.
For more information about the associate degree program, contact Frierson at friersog@dyc.edu.
