- What is the Birth-Kindergarten Distance Learning Program?
- To be a Distance Learning student, what type of computer should I have?
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- What are the general requirements for the Birth-Kindergarten degree?
- What courses are required for the program?
- Can I transfer community college Birth-Kindergarten courses to WCU?
- What Liberal Studies courses are required?
- How is the Liberal Studies requirement different if I received an A.A. or an A.A.S. degree at the community college?
- Can I receive academic credit for years of service or other training I have completed?
- Where can I get more information?
- How do I apply to WCU?
- What is the Online Bridge Program?
- What is the University Experience Course?
- How am I notified about the University Experience course beginning date?
- What is the tuition rate for distance learning courses?
- Who can I contact in the Department of Human Services about the Birth-Kindergarten Program for additional information?
What is the Birth-Kindergarten Distance Learning Program?
The Department of Human Services offers a Bachelor of Science degree through the Birth Kindergarten Distance Learning Program. Birth Kindergarten Distance Learning courses are accessed through the WebCT/WebCat learning management system. All instructional activities such as lectures, group interactions, reading assignments, class projects, presentations, submission of assignments, e-mail exchange, test administration, and other course functions occur within the WebCT/WebCat environment.
To be a Distance Learning student, what type of computer should I have?
All Distance Learning students should have, at a minimum, a personal computer running Windows XP or a Macintosh computer running system OS X or higher. The computer must be able to connect to the university's network through an appropriate DSL or Cable modem. A minimum of 512 MB RAM memory is essential, as is a 40 GB hard drive. All computers should have either a CD-R or CD-RW (preferred) drive. Systems must be capable of connecting to Western's network, utilize a WCU-supported OS, as well as have a supported version of Microsoft Office. Systems having less than this minimum specification will not perform satisfactorily or meet WCU's computer requirement. Due to limitations, Windows XP Home Edition is NOT supported.
In addition, all Distance Learning students should be able to perform common computer functions such as e-mailing, chat, discussion boards, browsing the Internet, zipping and unzipping files, downloading and uploading files, keyword searching, and be able to use Microsoft Office products including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Common distance learning pedagogies used in the Birth-Kindergarten Distance Learning Program include:
Chat Rooms – synchronous (at the same time) communication with others in the class
Discussion Boards – asynchronous (not at the same time) communication with others in the class
Drop Boxes – electronic tool(s) for uploading and submitting written assignments and files
Online Tests – self-administration of timed quizzes and exercises
Email – communication between two or more members of the class
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be accepted into the Birth-Kindergarten Distance Learning Program, a prospective student must meet the application requirements of the University and:
- Have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or and Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from an accredited community college;
- Have an Associates of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited community college; or
- Have substantial progress toward the “44 General Core” courses that satisfy the General Education/Liberal Studies requirement for a North Carolina community college.
What are the general requirements for the Birth-Kindergarten degree?
A minimum of 120 semester hours are required. This requirement is comprised of:
Birth-Kindergarten: 63-72 hours
Liberal Studies: 42 hours if from WCU or
Core 44: 44 Core from the Local Community College
General Electives: 6-15 hours
What courses are required for the program?
See Program of Study information for:
-
Professional Education Concentration (Licensure)
-
Early Childhood Concentration
Can I transfer community college Birth-Kindergarten courses to WCU?
Yes, students can transfer 12 semester hours of community college courses into the Birth-Kindergarten degree. There are four courses that can be transferred into the program and include:
EDU 144 and 145 or (PSY 244 and 245) = BK 363
EDU 146 = BK 462
EDU 259 = BK 470
EDU 221 = SPED 240
EDU 234 = BK 366
Other courses taken at the community college will be used to satisfy elective courses needed for the major.
What Liberal Studies courses are required?
A list of the required Liberal Studies courses and the Transfer of Credit policy can be found at the following website http://www.wcu.edu/registrar/Transfer/default.asp. If you click on the link entitled “WCU Liberal Studies Equivalencies at NCCC Institutions,” you will see a listing of community college courses and the equivalent course at WCU.
Students have the option of completing the 44 General Core requirement offered by the community college system in place of the WCU Liberal Studies requirement. The General Education requirements are somewhat different than those of WCU. Contact your transfer advisor at the community college for more information.
Pursuant to University of North Carolina System Policy, students who graduate from an accredited community college in North Carolina and who have earned either an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree will have fulfilled all Liberal Studies (general education) requirement at WCU.
Students who have earned a degree from an accredited institution located outside of North Carolina will undergo a course-by-course evaluation for transfer credits and may have to complete additional courses to fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement.
Students who possess an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree will undergo a course-by-course evaluation for transfer credits. In most cases, the student will be required to complete additional courses at a community college or through WCU to fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement.
Transfer students who have questions in regard to their previous college courses fulfilling WCU’s Liberal Studies or General Education Core requirements are urged to contact the University Advising Center.
Can I receive academic credit for years of service or other training I have completed?
No, WCU does not recognize years of services, training, certifications, or other continuing education units as being equivalent to academic courses at the university level. Transfer credit will only be awarded for courses offered by institutions of higher education that are accredited by nationally recognized, regional accredited organizations. Evaluation of academic transcripts is conducted by the Registrar’s Office, not the individual department.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, please visit http://www.wcu.edu/199.asp
How do I apply to WCU?
For Admissions information, visit http://www.wcu.edu/15.asp
What is the Online Bridge Program?
In order to meet liberal arts and prerequisite course requirements, the Division of Educational Outreach is offering a number of on-line courses this summer. Courses offered in the On-line Bridge Program are open to students on a space available basis. Registration is available on-line. The courses are offered in June and July consistent with the regular summer school schedule. Because they are distance learning courses, they follow the tuition guidelines for distance education. Visit Online Bridge Program (Liberal Studies courses) for more information.
What is the University Experience Course?
Maybe you’re new to distance education courses, or maybe you’re an experienced online learner. In either case, you’re going to need a lot of specific information to be a successful online learner. You’ll need an orientation, access and login information to navigate your specific course and the university systems. You’ll need to know how to access library resources, get help with advising, order your textbooks, and much more—all online.
In order to provide you with this information and fully prepare you to start your courses, the Division of Educational Outreach has developed the University Experience Course, an online learning experience designed to provide the tools you’ll need for successful online learning.
This course is designed as an introduction for those new to online learning, to WCU, or both, to the wide range of academic and other services available to them as Western Carolina University students.
See What is the University Experience Course?
How am I notified about the University Experience course beginning date?
The course will be discussed in materials given to you as part of your admissions materials or at the recruitment information session. A Welcome email and a letter will be sent to you.
What is the tuition rate for distance learning courses?
Visit Distance Education Tuition and Fees
If you have additional questions in regard to the Birth-Kindergarten Distance Learning Program, please e-mail or call Western Carolina Education Outreach Center. Phone: 828-277-7397 and Email: wcuonline@wcu.edu.