ABAC/MACON STATE PROGRAM PRODUCES GRADUATES

Ann Jones and Reina Patel, both from Tifton, are the first two students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (IT) from the degree program offered at Abraham Baldwin College through a partnership with Macon State College (MSC). The program, which began in the spring of 2002, allows students to earn their bachelor’s degrees at ABAC without having to transfer to another institution.

Originally from Brandon, Miss., Jones moved to Tifton six years ago. She holds a B.A. degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University, a B.S. degree in Educational Technology from MSC, and a certificate in IT from ABAC.

Jones said she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology to help open up more career opportunities for herself. 

“I have a teenage daughter, and I am always telling her to strive to be her best,” Jones said. “So, I guess I am trying to ‘practice what I preach.’ I especially liked the ease of the program—Macon State accepted quite a few of my classes in place of theirs. Also, with the ease of on-line classes, it was easy to finish my degree when planned.” 
Jones, who currently works for Tift County Public Schools as a Technology Specialist, plans to continue working for the school system. She hopes to move into teaching and be able to help young adults discover their life calling.

A native of Zambia, Patel now lives in Tifton. In addition to her B.S. degree from MSC, she holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology from ABAC.

Patel said she decided to complete the program with MSC because she heard the college offered excellent programs for IT majors.

“I liked everything about the Macon State College program,” Patel said. “I would recommend the program to other students if they are comfortable taking classes on-line.”

Patel currently works in the computer labs at ABAC. She plans to obtain a job in the IT field.

Students in the MSC degree program can complete all information technology courses at the ABAC Tifton campus or on‑line. On‑site attendance at the MSC campus is generally required only one Saturday per month. In many cases, instructors make the trip to the ABAC campus, eliminating the need for students to travel to Macon.

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.

Students do not need to have an associate’s degree in information technology to enroll in the program. If they have an associate’s degree in any field, they can enter the bachelor’s degree in IT program.

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 the 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 could 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 Dr. Gail Dillard, ABAC’s Director of Evening and Off-Campus Programs, at (229) 386-7154, or e-mail her at gdillard@abac.edu.

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