ECSU Adds Continuing Education Programs
The New London Day
August 8, 2007

WILLIMANTIC — The growing energy crisis, global warming, increased concerns about public health issues, and ever-changing business applications for information technology, all of which have implications close to home and around the world, are creating jobs and a demand for more professionals in these fields.

Recognizing the employment opportunities that exist and foreseeing greater need for such expertise in the future, the School of Continuing Education at Eastern Connecticut State University has added several new disciplines to the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree completion program.

Beginning this fall, the BGS program will offer concentrations in Sustainable Energy, Public Health, Environmental Management and Policy, and Business Information Systems to its “neo-traditional” students, those students that generally return to college as adults.

The new concentrations augment the School of Continuing Education's offerings and will provide students field research and internship opportunities.

“Many Baby Boomers are getting ready to retire from their regular jobs and they are looking for a different career and new challenges. We think some of these programs would be appealing to Baby Boomers who might be interested in the environment or global warming,” said Carol J. Williams, associate dean of the School of Continuing Education.

The programs are also appropriate for individuals who are planning to enter a new field of employment or are pursuing advancement within their current field. Labor statistics indicate higher education enhances employment opportunities and increases job security.

The Sustainable Energy concentration will prepare people to understand the transition from traditional energy sources to the use of sustainable alternatives such as hydro, solar and wind-generated power, and help them understand social and economic implications of energy use.

Increasingly, corporate leaders, municipal officials, and individuals feel the need to know something about energy and how to manage the changing energy picture because of escalating prices, dwindling resources, revisions to energy policies, and environmental impacts.

“There's a big need for people in a variety of jobs to deal with energy efficiency issues. Changing energy supplies, and renewable energy have become an important part of what we need to do in the United States in general and Connecticut in particular in order to deal with climate change and environmental pollution,” said Professor Fred Loxsom, director of the Center for Sustainable Energy Studies who oversees the BGS Sustainable Energy program.

The related concentration of Environmental Management and Policy provides broad, ecologically-based education aimed at preparing individuals to become environmental technicians and analysts in the private sector or in public service, giving them the tools to investigate and solve environmental problems.

As with energy and the environment, the public health field is rapidly expanding and constantly changing, demanding greater numbers of experts to promote health and prevent disease, Williams said.

Medical professionals are facing many monumental issues, including prevention of global transmission of deadly diseases, battling drug-resistant illnesses, preparing for bio-terrorism threats, and fighting against childhood obesity. All this comes at a time when doctors are retiring in large numbers and the Baby Boomer population is aging. “Health professionals are going to have to pick up some of that slack,” Williams said.

The Business Information Systems program instructs students how to improve organizational performance using information technology. “Information systems and technologies are extensively being integrated into every aspect of modern organizations regardless of type or size. The Business Information Systems program is designed to provide individuals with system skills, managerial techniques and technology awareness enabling them to excel in their careers and provide organizational competitive advantage,” said Alex B. Citurs, assistant professor of business information systems.

Williams said the Fast-Track degree completion programs, created by an interdisciplinary faculty committee, are designed to be flexible, allowing students to meet family and work responsibilities while earning a degree. Courses are offered in multi-media formats, including online courses, CDs distributed to enrolled students, and on-campus classes held nights and on Saturdays. While emphasis is placed on distance learning, personal contact continues to be an important component of the program for core course requirements, Williams said.

“The program has a good format, particularly for the adult learner. It provides an enhanced opportunity to master material and they can work on the this material on their own schedule,” Loxsom said.

Students are encouraged to complete introductory courses and electives through CLEP and DSST testing as well as through Eastern's Credit for Lifelong Learning program.

To register or receive a catalog, call (860) 465-5125 or toll free (877) 353-3278. Visit www.easternct.edu/ce/ to view the many educational opportunities available. Whether you're looking to finish your degree, want to begin college after starting a career, or wish to add to your career skills or life knowledge, the School of Continuing Education of Eastern Connecticut State University is always available with their helpful staff, faculty, and advisors to assist students achieve their educational dreams.

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