may help students
with limited time
New adult degree program
may come to township
Distance learning
may help students
with limited time
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer
NORTH BRUNSWICK — Residents seeking a college degree may not have to travel far, or at all, if the township approves a new program.
In its commitment to assist adult students in their quest to complete their educational goals, Caldwell College, Caldwell, will hold an open house at the municipal building on Hermann Road at the end of the summer to survey residents’ interests in an adult undergraduate program.
"We’re looking to set up a distance learning program with the college for residents interested in a college degree," program coordinator Kim Mangino said. "Anyone interested from the high school level on, whether, 18 [years old], 52, or 102, would benefit from holding college classes in town."
Caldwell offers 27 major programs, in which students can choose from a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or bachelor of fine arts degrees in the arts and sciences, computer science, business, fine arts, and medical technology, Mangino said. Teaching certification can be earned in elementary education or in a variety of K-12 and secondary subjects, she said.
In order to complete a college degree at Caldwell, adult students would have to complete 120 credits of study to graduate, according to Caldwell College’s Web site.
"Realizing that most adults have limited spare time and whose schedules are complex, they’re offering to hold classes in the municipal building or at home classes," Mangino said.
Although the township has not set a date for the open house, the college wants to generate discussion amongst residents about an external degree program, Mangino said.
"A student’s choice is based on learning style preference and schedule," Mangino said. "We want to improve the quality of life of our residents and increase their choice for success in accomplishing personalized academic goals."
Admissions to the adult undergraduate program is based on academic and professional experience, not on standardized admission tests.
Prospective adult students immediately interested in taking classes could attend on-campus classes on Saturdays, evenings and days that their schedules permit, Mangino said.
Caldwell College is a co-educational, four-year liberal arts institution on a 70-acre wooded campus, according to their Web site. Founded in 1939 by the Sisters of Saint Dominic, the college is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities, and chartered by the State of New Jersey, the Web site said.
Tuition for the 2003-04 academic year is $408 per credit, but Mangino said representatives from the college would discuss prices with residents.
For more information, visit the Web site or call (973) 618-3385.