#United States #Dallas #online education #Dallas College #Management Degree

Dallas College Expands Bachelor's Degree Portfolio

Dallas College is announcing the introduction of its Bachelor of Applied Science in Management, marking its fourth bachelor's degree offering since 2020. This fully online program is specifically designed to cater to the needs of working adults, transfer students, and those who already hold an associate degree, enabling them to pursue a four-year degree while maintaining their professional commitments.

As of now, over 400 students have enrolled in this program, which has attracted significant interest from prospective students—exceeding 1,000 applicants. The program is affordable, with tuition set at $11,880 for Dallas County residents, and the costs decrease for students who already possess relevant college credits.

The curriculum offers a meticulous blend of online learning and practical career-oriented instruction focusing on crucial subjects such as management, leadership, and business practices. Notably, in the final phase of the program, students engage in competency-based courses that allow them to move forward by demonstrating their mastery of the material.

Addressing the Needs of Working Adults

Dr. Shawnda Floyd, the Provost of Dallas College, stated, "Working adults should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and completing a bachelor's degree." She emphasized that this new degree combines the flexibility that students require with skills that are in high demand by employers. The exceptional response in enrollment demonstrates that students in North Texas are looking for viable alternatives to traditional degree paths that are more aligned with real-world workforce opportunities.

One of the current students, Octavia Kimble, embodies the profile of individuals the program aims to support. After returning to school in her late 30s and obtaining an associate degree in criminal justice, Kimble experienced career advancement at Dallas ISD, where she works in school safety and crisis management. Excited by the possibility of seamlessly transitioning from her current studies to a bachelor's degree in management, she remarked, "This is perfect, and I'm ready for it."

Innovative Tuition Structure

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Management introduces a unique tuition subscription model that is designed to alleviate financial concerns. Students pay a flat-term fee and can begin with two courses. Upon completion of these courses, they can request additional courses without incurring extra charges, facilitating a faster and more cost-effective educational journey.

This competency-based structure allows students to progress at their own pace. They can progress through concepts they are already familiar with more quickly, dedicate more time to subjects that require their attention, and even complete additional courses in a semester without additional costs.

Dr. Darryl Williams, Vice Provost of the Dallas College School of Business, Hospitality, and Global Trade, commented on the program's design, stating, "The Bachelor of Applied Science in Management is intended to confirm and accelerate learning at whatever stage it occurs."

Fast-Tracking Degree Completion

For individuals holding an associate degree, the path to completing the bachelor's degree could take as little as two years, depending on their accepted credits and speed of progression. Additionally, eligible students can receive credit for prior learning, including experiences and skills gained through work, military service, or industry certifications. This momentum could potentially shorten the time to graduation and reduce overall tuition fees.

Dallas College has progressively strengthened its role as a provider of affordable bachelor’s degrees in North Texas. Since launching its first bachelor’s program in Early Childhood Education and Teaching in 2020, the College has expanded to offering degrees in Nursing and Software Development as well. These programs collectively widen access to workforce-aligned educational pathways for students in the region.

A launch event for the new management program is scheduled on Wednesday, October 14, from 1-3 p.m. at the Dallas College Richland Campus, featuring remarks from Chancellor Dr. Justin Lonon, faculty, and students.

Dallas College, founded in 1965, consists of several campuses and centers throughout Dallas County. Each year, it serves over 133,000 students through varied educational programs, including associate degrees and career certificates across more than 100 fields of study, committing to create opportunities for the community and its diverse student body.