New Accelerated Business Degree Puts Adults on a Faster Track to Success

At a time when college credentials are increasing in importance, Community College of Philadelphia is putting students on the fast track to success by launching its new Business – Accelerated program, a focused and shorter path to an associate degree in business. 

Students will be able to combine online and in-person classes in a structured curriculum to finish their studies in 21 months with classes designed for maximum flexibility.

"This is really for students who want a more aggressive timeline," said Dr. Pam Carter, dean of Business and Technology at the College.

Classes for the first cohort begin Sept. 4. Students can  apply for the program by contacting Ms. Ruqayyah Archie at 215-751-8056 or rarchie [at] ccp.edu (rarchie[at]ccp[dot]edu). A free, evening information session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14 at 6 p.m., at the Northwest Regional Center at 1300 West Godfrey Avenue. For more information, call 215-751-8414.

"To me the most exciting part is that we designed it, so it really supports the working adult," said Dr. Carter, who can relate to the students' experiences because she earned her undergraduate degree while working. "We've tried to think of everything that could best support the working adult."

What makes Business - Accelerated unique is its combination of seven-week and four-week classes. The seven-week classes are entirely online, allowing working students to complete assignments on their schedules, while the four-week courses meet on Saturday, with online assignments during the week.

Carter also said the structured nature of the program makes course work easier to predict, so students can schedule accordingly. Class meeting days don't vary from semester to semester. The program has been calibrated to allow seamless transfer to business programs at the College's four-year partner schools, including Peirce College and Temple and Drexel Universities.

Students will be able to meet with a support navigator during Saturday sessions who can connect them to campus services, including tutoring, financial counseling as well as counseling and advising. 

Students also enroll as a cohort and move through the 21 months together, providing support. Research shows that cohort learning is more conducive to student success, particularly for adult learners.