(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 12, 2011) - - - Columbia State Community College is offering an 18-month accelerated business management degree-completion program designed for working professional adults who want to achieve personal and professional goals. The program is available at the Columbia and Williamson County campuses beginning Jan. 12. For information about the program, please contact Professor Kennedy in Columbia at (931) 540-2674 or Holly Brew, associate professor of business, in Williamson County at (615) 790-5676.

Classes will meet one night a week from 6-10 p.m., each lasting five weeks. Included in the curriculum are 15 accelerated business classes and five general education classes. Upon completion of the program, students will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management.

The curriculum focuses on the key components of supervision, technology, communications, accounting, and business calculations. The program allows working adults to fit classes into their busy schedules by offering classes both on-line and in the evenings.

"The accelerated business management program is great for working adults who would like to hone their skills to advance in the workplace," said Mary Susan Kennedy, professor of business at Columbia State. "It allows them to earn their degree in the evening while maintaining a full work schedule. The hybrid format provides classroom interaction along with an online component, allowing students to complete courses at a more rapid pace than traditional evening classes. Classes are fun and participative, with students getting to know each other and their instructors well."

Students graduating from the Columbia State program have the option of transferring to Trevecca Nazarene University in order to complete a 4-year baccalaureate degree. "Trevecca offers Columbia State students a seamless transfer. Trevecca's program follows the same 5-week format for 13 months used at Columbia State," Kennedy said.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The program will be available next fall for the Clifton, Lewisburg and Lawrenceburg campuses.

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