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Slide 1: Empire State College
Welcome to Empire State College of the State University of New York.
Slide 2: Welcome!
This presentation will cover:
- Basic information about Empire State College, our mission, our programs and locations, and our students;
- Specific information about our Center for Distance Learning and studying online;
- Six ways that Empire State College is distinctive and how those features may benefit you;
- What it costs to attend, financial aid and how to apply.
Slide 3: Our Mission
Empire State College has a clear mission. We enable motivated adults, regardless of geography or life circumstances, to design a rigorous, individualized academic program and earn a college degree.
Slide 4: About Empire State College
Empire State College is the largest arts and science college of the State University of New York (SUNY). We currently serve more than 15,000 students across New York State, throughout the country and around the world via distance learning. We are fully accredited, awarding the widely-recognized and respected SUNY degree. Our students enjoy their academic experience here. We have been consistently ranked #1 in SUNY for overall student satisfaction.
Slide 5: Our Students
Our students know that a college degree is often the key to a better job, a different career, employable skills, a richer intellectual life, and a sense of pride and accomplishment. Students typically range in age from 25 to 80, with most in their late 30s and early 40s. Many have attended college previously and will be able to include transcript credit in their degrees here. Owing to busy lives, including work and family responsibilities, most students enroll part time.
Slide 6: Center for Distance Learning
At the Center for Distance Learning, you can work toward an associate or bachelor’s degree or simply take one or two courses. The choice is yours. Your courses will be completely online and you will never be required to come to any Empire State College location during your studies. During your online courses you can expect a tremendous amount of interaction with faculty, staff and other students via phone, e-mail, fax and online. Empire State College has excellent online tutoring available in math and writing, as well as an excellent online library, for students who need extra assistance.
Slide 7: Online Courses
For its online learning environment, the college uses the ANGEL Learning Management Suite, software widely used throughout the SUNY system. Students and faculty use their Empire State College user names and passwords. Students access online studies from MyESC on the Online Studies tab.
You may be wondering how online learning works. Along with logging onto your courses a few times per week, reading textbooks and writing research papers, you also may be responsible for participating in online discussions and group projects. Our courses do not require proctored exams. Our courses often require between 10 and 16 hours of weekly study time per course, so we usually recommend that students working full time take one to two courses per term.
Slide 8: We’re Distinctive
Empire State College is different – for two good reasons: Our students are working adults, who have different needs and interests than traditional-age college students. Because of this, we are student-centered and will build your degree program around your personal goals. Our academic program is distinctive in six ways...
Slide 9: Six Distinctive Areas
These six distinctive areas are:
- Faculty mentors
- Unparalleled flexibility
- Custom-designed degree programs
- Credit for prior learning
- Transfer and transcript friendly
- Leadership in educational technology
Let’s look at each of these areas...
Slide 10: Faculty mentors
First, we have our faculty. They are fully qualified as professors within the State University of New York – more than 90% hold a Ph.D. or other highest degree in their disciplines. We call our distinguished faculty “mentors.” This term recognizes the personal attention and intensive academic advising that your faculty advisor will offer you. Your mentor will work with you from orientation to graduation, help you design a degree and prepare a portfolio of prior learning, and coordinate your studies with other faculty. The relationship you build with your mentor goes on long after graduation.
Slide 11: Unparalleled flexibility
Second, Empire State College offers you unparalleled flexibility in scheduling and ways to study. You can:
- Choose from hundreds of top-notch online courses that can work toward customized degree programs in our 11 areas of study;
- Cross register for courses with an approved local college, distance learning school, or any one of our 35 New York state learning centers;
- Work with one of our faculty mentors to create an individual course designed specifically for you;
- Participate in onsite residencies in certain subjects, or create an internship as part of your approved degree program;
- Access our online library and math and writing resources anytime, day or night.
Slide 12: Custom-designed degrees
Third, we offer custom-designed degree programs. You build your degree program around you, the individual, to meet your personal and professional goals. Through our Educational Planning courses, your advisor will help you create a personalized degree program. Your degree may be very traditional in nature, but it can also include special interests that are important to you.
Slide 13: Credit for your prior learning
Fourth, Empire State College is a pioneer in recognizing the value of adults’ prior, college-level learning, gained through:
- Work and life experience
- Licenses and training (military, law enforcement, etc.)
- Standardized tests, such as CLEP or DANTES
- Previous coursework at other colleges
The college’s assessment process is rigorous but fair and will ensure that you are awarded credit for any college-level learning that fits within your degree program. Through your Educational Planning courses, written materials and individual counseling, your mentor and the college’s assessment professionals will help you assemble a portfolio of prior learning. Evaluation interviews usually are conducted on the phone.
Slide 14: Transfer and transcript friendly
Fifth, Empire State College is transfer and transcript friendly. We welcome graduates of community colleges and have special agreements with all of New York State’s community colleges and many community colleges nationwide to accept the maximum amount of possible credit. Most associate degrees transfer as an entire degree, if they fit into your new degree program.
We review your transcript to transfer in the maximum amount of credit possible toward your degree program. Your previous college credits may typically be transferred to Empire State College – if you attended regionally accredited colleges or institutions, you earned course grades of “C-” or better, and the credits fit within the degree program that you design with Empire State College.
Slide 15: Transfer and transcript friendly, con’t
At the Center for Distance Learning, in addition to individual courses, we offer associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Once you are admitted, your faculty advisor will work with you to help you maximize your transfer credit, including previous college credits and life experience.
- If you are interested in pursuing an associate degree, you may transfer in a total of 40 credits.
- If you are interested in pursuing you bachelor’s degree, you may transfer in a total of 96 credits.
Slide 16: Leader in educational technology
Sixth, we support your learning with the latest educational technology. Empire State College is SUNY’s leader in the design and delivery of online courses. The college is a founding member of the SUNY Learning Network. We are the largest provider of distance learning in the entire state of New York, and one of the largest in the country. We make a rich array of library and study skills materials available to you via the Internet. You may connect with faculty and other students throughout the college’s worldwide network.
Slide 17: Three levels of academic degrees
Empire State College offers three levels of academic degrees:
- Associate degrees (64 credits) – you can transfer in up to 40 credits and must earn at least 24 credits of study at the college for an associate degree;
- Bachelor’s degrees (128 credits) – you can transfer in up to 96 credits and must earn at least 32 credits of study at the college for a bachelor’s degree;
- Master’s degrees (credits vary according to program)
Slide 18: Requirements for a SUNY degree
Your mentor is an expert at degree planning and will help you craft a plan that includes the following:
- The SUNY general education requirements to ensure a core of basic courses common to traditional university degrees;
- Sufficient studies in the liberal arts and sciences to meet New York State Education Department requirements;
- Sufficient studies to meet New York State Education Department requirements to establish a concentration (major);
- At least 24 credits of study with the college for an associate degree;
- At least 32 credits of study with the college for a bachelor’s degree;
- Advanced level studies for a bachelor’s degree.
Slide 19: Undergraduate Areas of Study
One question many people have is, “What can I major in?” The answer to this is limited only by your imagination and desire. Empire State College offers degree programs in 11 major areas of study. Here are just a few examples of concentrations you can pursue at the college:
In The Arts you can build a concentration in art history, painting, sculpture, graphic design, theater, music history, photography, film history, communications, or media.
In Business, Management and Economics, you can pursue a concentration in business administration, industrial and labor relations, accounting and finance, marketing, economics, information systems, emergency management, or international business.
In Community and Human Services, you can create a concentration in urban planning, criminal justice, allied health, social services, child care, social policy, counseling, or emergency management.
Slide 20: Undergraduate Areas of Study, con't
Cultural Studies offers such concentrations as English, communications, creative writing, literature, philosophy, or religious studies.
Educational Studies offers such concentrations as adult education, training and development, community education, educational technology, or early childhood studies. While we do not offer certification for teaching at the bachelor’s degree level, the college does offer a Master of Arts in Teaching degree through its Center for Graduate Programs.
Historical Studies allows you to develop a concentration in United States or other national histories, modern social and economic history, African, Asian or Latin-American history.
In Human Development, you can pursue a concentration in psychology, anthropology, childhood and adolescent development, or aging.
Slide 21: Undergraduate Areas of Study, con't
Interdisciplinary Studies allows you to combine studies from the college’s 10 other areas of study as you design your degree.
Labor Studies enables you to focus on labor history; labor-management relations; issues of class, race, ethnicity and gender involving workers; or international labor issues.
In Science, Mathematics and Technology you can create a concentration in such areas as biology, information systems, mathematics, environmental studies, computer science, or technology and society.
In the area of study called Social Theory, Social Structure and Change, you could build a concentration in sociology, political science, women’s studies, public policy, African-American or other ethnic studies.
Slide 22: Corporate/Military Programs
Through our Office of Corporate and Military Programs, the Center for Distance Learning has partnered with many unions, employers, professional organizations and the military to provide seamless educational access to employees and members around the world.
Current partnerships include the Army, Army National Guard, Navy, Department of Defense, Ohio-AFSCME, UAW-Ford, the United Steelworkers of America and Verizon.
Slide 23: Corporate/Military Programs, con't
Also, Empire State College is a member of the Service members Opportunities Colleges or (SOC).
Through this membership, the college has the ability to transfer credits readily from other SOC institutions. The college currently participates in a number of SOC networks including SOCAD, SOCNAV, SOCMAR, SOCCOAST and SOCGUARD.
The college also administers a scholarship created in the name of esteemed Empire State College alumnus Morton Bahr, which assists union members and other workers by furthering their educational goals and enhancing educational access through distance learning.
Slide 24: Our New York State Locations
We offer 35 convenient locations across New York State and are accessible worldwide to distance learners via the Internet. The college’s seven regional centers are located in:
- Buffalo
- Rochester
- Syracuse
- Latham
- Hartsdale
- New York City
- Old Westbury
Slide 25: Learning Centers
The college also has several specialized programs designed to meet the needs of a specific group of students.
The Harry Van Arsdale Center for Labor Studies – offers a partnership program with IBEW Local #3 in New York City, offering associate and bachelor’s degree opportunities to its apprentice members. The Van Arsdale Labor Center also is designed so that union members and leaders, human resource representatives, managers and anyone interested in labor/management relations in both the public and private sectors can take courses or receive a degree. Courses are offered through distance learning in both print and web versions. Students work with a mentor on the web, by phone, e-mail to complete assignments while they work.
Verizon Corporate College – is a partnership program with Verizon offering their New York City-based staff employees the opportunity to earn an associate and/or bachelor’s degree with Empire State College. Employees also can earn credit for college-level learning gain through work or life.
Slide 26: Specialized Programs
FORUM Management Education Program – is a bachelor’s degree program designed for experienced managers and business professionals. You can tailor your degree to your needs through independent guided study, six weekend residencies per year and credit for college-level learning you’ve gained through work or life.
Slide 27: Graduate Degree Programs
Empire State College offers six master’s degree programs:
- The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a “fast track to the classroom, designed for career-changers who want to teach in urban schools at either the middle or high school level.
- The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) is designed for experienced managers, and offers web-based guided independent study, several weekend residencies, and the opportunity to earn up to 24 credits for the functional knowledge you already have in business and management.
- The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.) offers the freedom to design a highly individualized, interdisciplinary program in your own area of interest.
- The college also offers three Master of Arts programs in policy studies – in the areas of Business and Policy Studies, Labor and Policy Studies, and in Social Policy. The college also offers a combined degree program that allows you to earn both a bachelor’s degree in business, management and economics, and an M.A. in business and policy studies. For more information on graduate studies at the college, go tour web site at www.esc.edu/grad
Slide 28: Are you ready?
Are you ready to engage in serious college study online? Here are a few factors that make for success:
- You have access to an up-to-date computer with online access and e-mail.
- You have developed good reading, writing and research skills – our online courses are demanding.
- You have the ability to log on to your online courses as needed for discussions and assignments.
- You have the ability and initiative to study independently, while engaging actively online with your course instructors and other students.
Slide 29: Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Empire State College is one of the most affordable four-year online learning institutions available today. Undergraduate tuition, for in-state, out-of-state and international students is:
- $207/credit or $1,656 for two 4-credit studies
- $2,485 for full-time study, which is12 to 16 credits
Like all colleges, Empire State College charges certain fees. Our fees are the lowest of any four-year SUNY institution.
Slide 30: Tuition is very competitive
An education through Empire State College’s Center for Distance Learning is extremely affordable. When compared to other regionally accredited online institutions across the country, our tuition is often less than half. Part time tuition is per credit and comparably less than other colleges in the country.
Slide 31: Financial Aid
Many federal and New York state financial aid programs are available to Empire State College students. They include:
- Federal grants such as Pell and Aid for Part-time Students (APTS)
- New York State grants such as the Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP
- Scholarships from the Empire State College Foundation
- Employer tuition assistance programs for our corporate and military programs
- Student loans
Slide 32: Financial Aid, con't
You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid programs, and to be eligible for Empire State College’s need-based scholarships. Do this as soon as possible. Check out financial aid options at www.esc.edu/financialaid or call 800 847-3000, extension 2712, for a financial aid packet.
Slide 33: Requirements for Admission
To be considered for admission to Empire State College:
- You must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
- You must demonstrate an ability to pursue college-level work.
- You must complete all application materials and requirements.
- The college must have the resources to serve you.
Slide 34: When you’re ready to apply
When you are ready to apply:
- Complete the admissions application in your packet or go to www.esc.edu/apply.
- Request official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning to be sent directly to Empire State College.
- Once your application and all supporting documents are submitted to the college, you can expect a reply in one to two weeks. Our admissions office will notify you and the Center for Distance Learning about your application’s outcome.
Slide 35: Once your application is reviewed
Once have been accepted to the college, you will be invited to participate in our interactive online orientation. In a learning environment similar to your online classes, you will receive important information about becoming a successful online learner. During orientation you will introduce yourself to other students new to the college, practice submitting questions, and interact with other students in discussions. You will also learn important college policies and procedures for registration, tuition and fee payments, financial aid and more. Students are encouraged to participate in our orientation course until they begin their first registered course.
Slide 36: Nondegree Study Opportunities
You also can take a few studies at Empire State College without earning a degree. Our nonmatriculated study opportunities may be right for you if:
- You aren’t interested in earning a degree at this time
- You want to try an online course or two before applying, to see if the college is right for you, or
- You need or want a few specific courses for work or personal interest
Slide 37: Nondegree Study Opportunities, con't
If nondegree study interests you:
- You do not need to apply for admission
- You are not eligible for financial aid
You should contact the Center for Distance Learning for a nonmatriculated student account at 800 847-3000, ext. 2300
Slide 38: If you’d like to learn more
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Center for Distance Learning student, visit our web site at www.esc.edu/CDL. We encourage all interested students to participate in one of our weekly telephone information sessions with one of our pre-enrollment advisors. To register for one of these calls, phone 800 847-3000 ext. 2300 or visit our web site for more details.
Slide 39: SUNY Solution for Working Adults
Empire State College is the SUNY Solution for Working Adults...
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