MOC offering new degree, new major, online program
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on July 22, 2005 1:45 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College will expand its course offerings this fall, to include a new degree, a new major, and an online criminal justice program.
The School of Business will add a degree in Management of Information Systems. The program is a degree completion program for working adults with either work experience in technology or an educational background in the field.
Kathy Best, dean of the school of business, said the addition was made by popular demand.
"We have a pretty substantial traditional program," she said. "The non-traditional has been so successful, we have had a demand for Management of Information Systems."
The program will be first introduced at the college's Research Triangle Park location in October, with plans to introduce it in Mount Olive in February, 2006.
Admission requirements include transferring in 60 semester hours, with 126 hours needed to complete the program. The curriculum focuses on the area of computer information systems, as well as accounting, research statistics, and an applied research project.
Mrs. Best said the new program will be beneficial in preparing people to work in a supervisory capacity over a staff that performs the day-to-day functions.
The college will also soon offer a major in instrumental music, with lessons given from the introductory to advanced levels.
"This is a dream come true for us to have an instrumental music program," said Barbara Kornegay, vice-president for enrollment. She said it will broadening the musical opportunities for students.
"They can major in instrumental music, have the opportunity to play in groups even if they don't want to major in it," she said. "We're hoping that kids will come in and say they played flute for three years, but don't have an instrument and we'll get one for them."
The college is currently securing instruments that will be used in the program, said Ellen Jordan, vice-president of academic affairs. Donations from the community would also be welcome, she said, particularly brass instruments.
Ms. Jordan said the program will be structured to familiarize students with a variety of instruments and will be helpful to those majoring in education.
"It can be for people who want to perform, want to teach privately, or minor in music," she said. "Perhaps the person wants to be in a church or community group, or as a hobby or avocation."
"I think the big following at first will probably be people that played in high school or played elsewhere," Mrs. Kornegay said. "Maybe they'll just have fun with it or take it as an elective."
The Criminal Justice Administration program, an accelerated degree completion program, will also be offered on-line beginning October 1.
"It is the same curriculum for the seated modular as the online cohort," said Dorothy Whitley, dean of the school of professional studies.
Whitley said the program provides more accessibility for working adults, especially those already in the criminal justice field working switch shifts.