The program allows students to earn their Bachelor of Science degrees in Information Technology at ABAC without having to transfer to another institution. Folsom, who holds associate degrees in political science and business, said he likes the flexibility of the MSC program.
"I really like the program," Folsom said. "Everything is on-line so I can set my own hours. The fact that the program is available through ABAC is a definite advantage because I do not have to move to another location to attend school. I also like the fact that I work exclusively with Angie Palmer (ABAC's Director of Evening and Off-Campus Programs). Having one contact person to deal with makes everything so much easier. Angie has been great. She is very helpful and supportive."
Students in the MSC degree program can complete all information technology courses on-line. On-site attendance at the MSC campus is required only one Saturday per month. Instructors from MSC are also available on the ABAC campus throughout the semester. Students in the program can take courses in Database Administration, Educational Technology, Networking and Communications, Multimedia and Web Technology, System Analysis, Computer Programming, and more.
The program is convenient for Folsom because he has to balance his career and family responsibilities with his educational goals. Folsom holds a full-time position at Colquitt EMC where he is the District Office Supervisor. He and his wife, Kim, have a six-year-old son.
Folsom hopes to continue working at Colquitt EMC after he obtains his bachelor's degree through MSC. He believes his business degree coupled with his information technology degree will provide him with the necessary skills to excel in the expanding field of computers and information technology.
"Information technology is a rapidly growing industry," Folsom said. "Qualified people are needed to keep up with the changes and advances that are being made in the field. Earning a degree in information technology will make students very desirable in the job market and provide opportunities that they may not be able to take advantage of otherwise."
Palmer said ABAC is pleased to partner with Macon State to provide this new educational opportunity for students.
"The availability of the program makes it possible for students like Todd, who are already in the work force, to continue their education without interrupting their career," Palmer said. "This program is a great way for students to enter the expanding field of information technology without leaving our area."
Students interested in the MSC degree program who do not have an associate degree can enroll in ABAC's Certificate in Information Technology program. Georgia residents who qualify for he Hope Grant will incur no tuition cost for 30 hours of course work leading to the certificate. No grade point average prerequisite is necessary to qualify for the HOPE Grant. Course work can be applied to ABAC's Associate Degree in Information Technology and the MSC Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology.
After completing the requirements for the certificate, students can then continue their pursuit of an associate of science degree in Information Technology. At that time, students might qualify for the HOPE Scholarship with a GPA of 3.0 or higher after completion of 30 semester hours. Hours earned toward ABAC's Certificate in Information Technology qualify.
For additional information about the MSC degree program in Information Technology, contact Palmer at (229) 386-7154 or e-mail her at apalmer@abac.edu.
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