Fast-forward 12 months, and Mandy is finishing her bachelor’s degree, completing the
requirements she needs for her Certified General (commercial) real estate appraiser
license. The result has reinforced Mandy’s feelings about her program
choice. “Deciding to enroll in Bellarmine’s Degree Completion Program was a no-brainer.” For
adult students with some prior college credit looking for a convenient and affordable
path to finishing their bachelor’s degree, Bellarmine’s Degree Completion Program
offers online classes in 7-week blocks, allowing students to learn
at their own pace.
“Our goal is to make all students feel like they’re part of the Bellarmine community,”
said Dr. Laura Hartford, associate dean of Bellarmine’s College of Arts and Sciences
and head of the Degree Completion Program. “Tuition
is heavily discounted, and classes are offered in an online, asynchronous, accelerated
format. Degree completers can also take advantage of all of the resources and support
provided to our traditional Knights.”
Students in the program can choose between two paths to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies to advance their careers:
The Organizational Leadership track offers training in communication, management and understanding of human behavior. This degree prepares students for careers as effective and ethical leaders to help organizations succeed. The Information Technology track gives students the practical skills they need to understand and manage today's computer-based information systems. This track includes courses in computer science, data management and business administration, with a core grounded in the humanities and social sciences.
For Craig Smith, completing his bachelor's degree through the program has already
helped him earn a promotion at his current employer. “Bellarmine University and the
Degree Completion Program have been a breath of fresh air as I ramp up my old academic
skills from two decades earlier,” he said. His experience inspired him to take his
education even further, pursuing
an Executive Master of Business Administration in Bellarmine’s Rubel School of Business. “With
the hands-on approach I received at Bellarmine, the faculty, staff and administration
are some of your most prominent supporters.” Each new student works one-on-one with
dedicated advisors to develop a personalized academic plan, taking into account prior
credit and goals after graduation. Academic credit can also be granted for prior learning
outside the classroom through professional,
military, volunteer, training and other life experiences. “My experience has been
really wonderful,” said Jessi Jones, who began her college career at Bellarmine but
hadn’t been on campus for more than a decade. “As I was just about two traditional
semesters shy of graduating, most of
my courses have been degree-specific. The professors have been conscious of student
needs regarding time management and outside commitments” like work and family. 
Jessi’s awareness of Bellarmine goes back to her seventh-grade English teacher, who
was a Bellarmine alum and always spoke of the university with pride. “As the years
passed, things have changed…but Bellarmine's distinction has remained,” she said.
“Bellarmine feels like a school that actually cares about the people who attend their
classes and it's just an added bonus that they
have a great academic reputation.” Paul Hyden and Justin Odle will also be receiving
their degrees through the Degree Completion Program. “I’m excited when a student who
started college is able to overcome barriers and receive their degree,” Hartford said.
“At Bellarmine, we work very hard to be accessible and supportive. Some students in
the program are able to
fly through and don’t need much assistance from me at all, but I enjoy learning about
students’ individual goals, and I value being in a position to help if and when it
is needed.” Congratulations to the first graduates of our Degree Completion Program.
We are excited to see where your degree will take you.