March 17, 2010

WVU Parkersburg to offer Weekend College; students can complete an Associate of Arts degree in one year.

 

CONTACT:  Dr. Paul Milhoan, director of non-traditional programs, 403-424-8272.

Weekend College website 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Area residents will be able to earn an Associate of Arts degree in one year through a new pilot project to be offered by West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

WVU Parkersburg's Weekend College will make it possible to complete all coursework for the A.A. through an accelerated program of study.

"The A.A. is our most popular two-year degree option," Dr. Paul Milhoan, director of non-traditional programs, said.  "As we researched components of successful weekend programs offered by other community colleges across the country, the A.A. was the most frequently offered degree," he added.

WVU Parkersburg is the first community college in West Virginia to offer a Weekend College format which results in completion of an A.A. degree.

Dr. Milhoan noted that the college's Weekend College is designed primarily for adult students. The accelerated program of study combines on-line and classroom classes. 

Only 20 students will be accepted into the pilot cohort which will be formed by June 1, Dr. Milhoan said.  A "boot camp" for the first cohort will be offered in June to prepare participants for the program.  In the Weekend College format, Dr. Milhoan noted that students will register for up to five courses for a 10-week cycle.

The A.A. degree is generally a two-year program designed for those pursuing a bachelor's degree or planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.

"This is an affordable and convenient option to earn an A.A. degree quickly in a cohort group which will learn together," he added.

Those interested in additional information about the Weekend College program should contact Dr. Milhoan at the college, 304-424-8272.

cd3/17/10

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203 - Office)
E-mail