LBWCC’S academic courses transfer

 

It doesn’t matter if you want to become a doctor, lawyer, architect, anthropologist, engineer, dentist, journalist, scientist, or any other career field requiring at least a four-year degree, they all require general education courses.

Courses such as English, history, math, science, literature, art, and speech are included in those core courses required for all majors. Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBWCC) offers all those and more, all taught at university level by faculty with the same credential requirements.

Why is that important? Students attending LBWCC in an academic transfer program of study save at least half the cost for the first two years of college and are assured of credit transfer when following the Alabama Articulation Program, also called STARS (Statewide Articulation Reporting System).

STARS is a computerized articulation and transfer planning system designed to inform students about degree requirements, course equivalents, and other transfer information relating to specific majors at each state funded four-year institution.

For those interested in attending a private college, the Alabama Community College System’s “2 to 4 Transfer Program” allows for the seamless transfer from the community college to selected independent colleges in Alabama. This will guide the student through the first two years of coursework and prevent loss of credit hours upon transferring.

At LBWCC, students can earn an Associate Degree in Arts, Associate Degree in Science, or Associate Degree in Applied Science. By first earning a two-year degree before transferring to a four-year university, students improve their earning potential. That credential is a great benefit, especially if they need to work before transferring or while studying for a bachelor’s degree.

Within the next two years, according to research conducted by Georgetown University, 65 percent of all jobs in the American economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. It is projected that 35 percent of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree and 30 percent will require some college or an associate’s degree.

The same research predicts job openings in healthcare, community services, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) will grow the fastest among occupational clusters. Judgment and decision making, communications, analysis, and administration will be the four most in-demand competencies in the labor market.

Students who start their academic program this summer at LBWCC and attend classes year-round could earn enough credits in four semesters to begin a third year at their selected transfer institution. That saves time and greatly impacts financial expenses, while also placing them ahead of their peers in the time it takes to graduate.

There are several options during the summer term at LBW, such as taking one or two classes during one or both of the short mini-terms and additional courses for the regular term. If taking courses during the mini-terms, students can still enjoy several weeks for vacation plans.

In addition, LBW offers online and hybrid course options every semester. Hybrid courses include both online and on-campus components during the semester. About 80 percent of a degree can be earned at LBWCC through online courses.

LBWCC’s faculty and staff are committed to student success. We have support programs designed to help students achieve academic success and improve their opportunity to graduate. They can also develop leadership skills by participating in clubs and organizations.

As high school students look forward to upcoming commencement ceremonies, we urge them and their parents to view the event as a new educational beginning and take advantage of the opportunity to open the door of postsecondary education as early as this summer.

We are here, close to home, to help you achieve your educational goals. There’s no better time than now to get started on your academic coursework and earn a college credential.

Visit www.lbwcc.edu for more information.