Centenary University’s new capital campaign that was recently announced is already making an impact. The Hackettstown-based university introduced its first academic initiative — a new Working Degree Program — to launch as part of the $8 million Campaign for College announced by President Dale Caldwell.
The Working Degree Program will offer four new bachelor’s degrees: Working B.A. in psychology, Working B.S. in nursing, Working B.S. in accounting and Working B.S. in business administration with concentrations in accounting, data analytics, management, marketing, social media marketing and sustainable practices. The program also includes a Working Associate of Arts in liberal arts.
Contributions raised through the Campaign for College will fund discounted tuition of $500 per credit for full-time workers pursuing a working degree. In addition, flexible class scheduling and services such as access to designated faculty office hours, career development and the Centenary University Wellness Center will provide an extra level of support for students juggling college with full-time work.
Through the Working Degree Program, Centenary will accept up to 70 transfer credits for students who have previous college experience. Students can also create a Prior Learning Assessment to earn credits for other relevant experiences. Most working degrees offer eight-week cycles with flexible learning opportunities including accelerated, asynchronous and synchronous online classes.
The campaign will provide financial assistance, specialized academic programs and support services to ensure that every student, regardless of family income or financial circumstances, has sufficient money to earn a Centenary University degree.
“Far too many students do not have money to attend college at all, so they go to work full-time upon graduation from high school,” Caldwell said, citing a study showing that college graduates earn an average salary of $84,000, compared to $49,000 for those without a degree.
“Yet, once in the workforce, they are stuck, without opportunities for advancement because they lack a college degree. This campaign is not just about Centenary. It’s about emphasizing the value of a college education on a national level, and then creating multiple pathways for folks from all walks of life to earn a degree.”
