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>>Theresa Bierer: Our next story takes a look at another new program; this one will help
students statewide with a Technology Management Degree.
On this spring afternoon at Coconino Community College a variety of students are using the
computer lab, working on papers and assignments for their classes. Soon community college
students statewide will be able to take advantage of a program allowing them to transfer Northern
Arizona University and complete a baccalaureate degree of Applied Science Specialization in
Technology Management. >>Craig Vanlengen: Basically what we were
looking at besides having the normal transfer program, which was the students would take
about 9 hours of programming classes and then transfer into the CIS degree program up here.
This way they could do an associate of Applied Sciences and complete 24-30 hours in the technology
area and then have a transfer degree pass, so they could then complete that.
>>Bierer: Vanlengen who has been at NAU for 27 years has worked closely with colleges
around the state to create this new Extended Campuses program, its being welcomed by community
college faculty members. >>Dave Bowman: It's nice that we have an articulation
that goes, that brings all the credits over, that's a good thing; we never used to have
that. But we need to have our programs at community colleges so that our students benefit
by coming here and being able to transfer all of the classes that they took here without
any questions. >>Bierer: After completing an associates at
an Arizona community college, students can transfer into this NAU program and complete
their degree requirements online. .>Bowman: Because number 1 people can work
and then take classes and go to class anytime they want to because it's online. And so that's
very important for our distance learning students, even our local students who work.
>>Bierer: There has been a sharp increase in the number of students taking computer
classes at CCC, in just two semesters enrollment has climbed from 3 to 500 students in the
Computer Information Systems class. Some of these students will continue toward and AA
degree at the community college and be eligible to transfer into the new Technology Management
four-year degree. >>Bowman: She knows what she is doing at this
>>Veronica Otero: Yeah she is very fast too, very fast pace
>>Bierer: Veronica Ortero is a freshman at Coconino Community College; she knows computers
will be an important part of her career and those of her peers. Which is why she is enthusiastic
about the community college transfer option to Northern Arizona University.
>>Otero: I think it's a great idea and the students will be able to take the class online
and work as well and just fit it into their schedule, it'll be a lot easier.
>>Bierer: Many of today's students will be life-long learners with requirements of ongoing
technology related education and the changing workforce related to computers and programming,
creates a clear need for this new degree in Applied Science Specialization in Technology
Management. >>Vanlengen: It's important today because
there is a large segment of the population, especially in Arizona and in the Maricopa
area, where they need to go out and work for technology firms. And a number of people go
out with their Associate degree, go to work and after a while they find out they are being
moved into a supervisor, management type position and they don't have the background. So this
way they can then get the background in the management of information technology.
>>Bierer: Educators in NAU's Extended Campuses programs are working to meet the changing
needs of students across the state and working to bridge the gap for students who want to
earn bachelors or continue toward a graduate degree. For students at the community college
level these types of associations are beneficial >>Bowman: It's much nicer for the kids, it's
easier for them, they know what NAU requires, NAU knows what we are offering so it's a great
partnership. >>Bierer: The new Technology management program,
because it's streamlined allows students to save money by taking more classes at the community
college level and finish up their college degree online, which can also be a more affordable
option.