It's all about jobs
“People are returning to college in huge numbers for many reasons. Some have lost their jobs. And those who have jobs, are seeking professional development or to finish degrees to secure their positions… And, here’s something to think about, even if you have a good-paying job now without higher education, if you were to lose that job and try to compete for a similar position, the market will be flooded with overly-qualified applicants. There is still a lot of unemployment out there,” said an ETSU representative.
The representative added that students are selecting a field of study based on employability. Medical training certificates in areas such as pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, sleep studies have 100% employability and are very popular.
At the ETSU School of Continuing Studies and Academic Outreach a student can take traditional or online classes, finish a degree, sharpen career skills, enrich high school experience or enroll in summer school.
“Most of our students have jobs, family and full-time responsibilities. They want to get a Bachelor’s or Masters, certificates of study and training and attend professional development seminars or conferences to further their education,” said ETSU representative.
Flexible degrees
Flexible degree programs include: Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies, Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies, Masters of Professional Studies, and cohort programs (two-year courses of study taken at community colleges that transfer credits in full to ETSU.)
Professional Development
The office of Professional Development specializes in planning and implementing conferences and seminars, non-credit courses, certificate training and children’s programs. Area business and industry, institutions, and community groups can offer courses or seminars through ETSU. Some of the current offerings are: Pharmacy Technician training, Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, and College of Parenting.
Overview of School of Continuing Studies
“The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is a group of diverse units that all focus on outreach and service to our communities, moving beyond the traditional university campus and clientele to bring education opportunities to the citizens of the region and state,” said Dean of the SCS Rick Osborn Ph.D.
This is accomplished through:
- An extended campus- ETSU at Kingsport provides courses and degree programs in a major population center. The center has computer labs, TV classrooms, distance learning and online courses and student support services.
- Multiple interdisciplinary degree programs plus remedial courses in reading and study skills.
- Cohort programs that offer access to degree programs throughout the region such as Sevierville, Morristown, Bristol, Erwin, Southwest Virginia. Some majors include Math, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Technology and specialties in education.
- The office of Professional Development offers national and regionally known non-credit programs such as workforce development, conference and seminars for specific professions and enrichment courses for P-12.
- Summer school courses offer opportunities for all ETSU students to accelerate their degree programs and unique programs in film, musical composition and dance.
For more information see: www.etsu.edu/finish