Transfer Credits Allow Online School to Help Students Graduate Faster, Cheaper

Ashworth College expands Associate Degree program

NORCROSS, Ga., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its long range growth plan, Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu) announced that beginning September 2011, the online school leader is expanding its program offerings to include both Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Science degrees.

The additions bring the total number of associate degree programs to 28 across 14 disciplines, including accounting, business, computer information management/systems, construction, criminal justice, early childhood education, finance, health care, human resources, marketing, paralegal studies, psychology, retail and security.  

The new Associate Degree programs have been developed specifically for students who plan to continue their education and pursue a bachelor's degree. The degrees also offer students increased opportunities to apply previously earned college-level transfer credits toward their program of study with Ashworth.

"It's important that we provide training and education that helps our students reach their personal and professional goals" said Dr. Leslie Gargiulo, Vice President of Education for Ashworth College. "Increasing the number of elective courses available in each program, students have more flexibility to earn the degree that best fits their needs. And the ability to apply previously earned college credits from past institutions toward their Ashworth degree will help them reach their end goal in less time."

Additionally, Ashworth offers 14 Associate of Applied Science programs for those presently employed in related fields and seeking career advancement or those planning to seek employment directly upon graduation.

Ashworth's associate degree programs are comprised of 20 courses spread across four semesters, giving Ashworth students a strong academic foundation and practical experience in many different areas of study. This includes courses in general education as well as in their specialty area. The only enrollment pre-requisite is a high school diploma or GED.

Expanding horizons through electives

In addition to general education courses and the courses relating to their program area and the discipline, associate of science students are given several course elective options, making Ashworth's AS program more robust than most other two-year programs.

If carefully chosen, electives can be among the most enjoyable and rewarding classes within a degree program. Electives also provide an opportunity for students to "test the waters" in topic areas they might otherwise never experience.

"Like all Ashworth programs, our associate degree programs have been developed with the working adult in mind," said Deepa Chadha, Degree Program Director at Ashworth. "Many of our students work full-time jobs and have families. We want our programs to be as flexible, challenging and enjoyable so that they can successfully incorporate their studies into their work and family schedules. It helps that they can complete their online courses at home and not travel to a classroom."

About Ashworth College

As an online school leader, Ashworth College has built a tradition of excellence spanning 25 years, offering students worldwide more than 115 online college degrees, online certificate programs and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth offers military education as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. James Madison High School is further accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). SACS CASI is an accreditation division of AdvancED. For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu.

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Dr. Leslie Gargiulo, Ph.D. - http://www.profnetconnect.com/dr.-leslie-gargiulo-ph.d.  

SOURCE Ashworth College