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UPT eager to launch 4-year program |
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by Jon Sherman Thanks to the marvels of modern technology and a good working relationship with the Bradford campus, the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville is ready to test a long-held belief that it should offer a four-year bachelor's degree.
Beginning this fall, UPT students will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree without ever leaving Titusville.
In addition to utilizing the UPT faculty and that of Bradford, "live and on stage" at their lecture platforms, students will work toward their BS degree through the use of interactive television and the Web. Dr. Michael Worman, UPT president, figured about 75 percent of the courses would be taught by the existing faculty, with the remainder coming from other sources. No additional faculty will be added because of the new program.
According to Melanie Anderson, assistant professor of business and director of continuing education, the curriculum for the business bachelor's degree will expose students to the concepts of finance, economics, information systems, management and marketing.
Anderson said all the core business classes would be offered in the evenings, while elective subjects could be taken either during the day or in the evening.
"A lot of our instructors here have business and industrial backgrounds," she said, "so they bring to the classroom a good mix of the practical and the theoretical."
The procedure for earning the new BS degree from UPT is exactly the same as graduating from any other college or university: If the student is starting from scratch and can study full time, it generally takes about four years. Part-time students take a little longer to get the degree.
The student seeking UPT's BS in business registers for classes and applies for financial aid just like any other candidate for a degree. If courses have been taken at UPT or other colleges, the student may see if they can be transferred.
The diploma that ultimately is placed in the graduate's hands is a bona fide University of Pittsburgh degree.
Almost since it opened in 1963, questions have been raised as to when UPT would begin to offer a four-year program like its fellow regional campuses at Johnstown, Bradford and Greensburg.
Anderson said interest has been shown over the years in expanded academic programs. The major stumbling block for many of these students, however, was a problem with traveling from Titusville to out-of-town campuses.
"We've worked hard in an effort to meet the needs of students, and try to give them more opportunities here," she said. "This business management program will meet the needs of a broader curriculum."
Worman said he has been asked many times why UPT doesn't offer a four-year program. He explained that UPT is located in the midst of a number of four-year colleges and universities, so that there really was no reason for the local school to compete.
After working with Bradford campus officials, however, Worman said the business degree was "a good way to test if there is a demand," especially if students don't have to leave Titusville to attend classes.
The interest shown for the new program will be carefully monitored. If significant interest is shown, Worman said he hopes that the next four-year program at UPT would be in administration of justice. The curriculum for this would be coordinated with the university's College of General Studies and its Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
UPT recently held an information session and Anderson said she was encouraged by the turnout, which consisted of current students, returning students, transfer students and incoming freshmen. In addition, Anderson's office has received numerous telephone inquiries since the new program was publicized. Another meeting took place Tuesday evening and one is planned for sometime in July.
"We're taking this one step at a time," said Anderson. "We're hoping to do more. We have the potential here, we just have to go through the process of selecting other programs."
Information on the four-year degree is available by contacting Colleen Motter, administrative director of the Barco Center for Continuing Education, 827-4408. |
