A Step Forward in Educational Advancement
In a significant development for higher education in Texas, Del Mar College has announced the introduction of a new Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS-OML). Consequently, this program aims to enhance students’ career prospects through advanced educational opportunities.
Furthermore, Dr. Jennifer Sramek, the Dean of Business Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences at Del Mar College, shared that the program received official approval on April 15 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This approval marks a pivotal step in the college’s commitment to expanding its academic offerings and supporting the professional growth of its students.
Bridging Degree Skills with Advanced Education
The BAS-OML program specifically tailors to individuals who have already completed an associate degree and are seeking to further their education and secure more advanced positions in the workforce. “We aim to provide our students with a robust educational foundation that combines their technical skills with essential business knowledge,” explained Dr. Sramek.
The program focuses on critical areas such as management, leadership, managerial communication, ethics in the workplace, and the legal aspects of management. Additional courses will cover Finance for Managers, Human Resource Management, Technology in Enterprise Management, and Accounting for Managers.
Degree Structured for Success
The structure of the BAS-OML program is particularly noteworthy. Students must complete 27 core classes and 33 Organizational Management and Leadership hours, totaling 120 credits. This curriculum, designed to be “stackable,” directly builds on the 55 associate degree programs currently available at Del Mar College, enhancing the value of prior education.
Dr. Sramek highlighted the practicality of the program’s design, stating, “What we are looking to do is add those complementary business skills onto the technical skills our students already possess.”
Accessibility and Affordability
Recognizing the challenges of balancing education with other life commitments, Del Mar College has made this program available online in an 8-week format. This approach not only makes the program more accessible to a wider range of students but also aligns with the college’s goal of making higher education both affordable and convenient.
“Dr. Sramek said, ‘We designed the program’s flexibility to create pathways for students to re-enter the educational system and upscale their qualifications in preparation for future challenges.'”
Enthusiastic Response and Future Prospects
The response to the new degree program has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 140 applications submitted just one week after its launch. Indeed, this enthusiasm underscores the perceived value and demand for programs that combine technical proficiency with managerial expertise.
Moreover, the program will officially begin in Fall 2024. Del Mar College encourages prospective students to visit its website to learn more about the program and the admission process or to apply.
Additionally, this new degree program reflects Del Mar College’s commitment to evolving with the educational needs of its community and its dedication to fostering leadership and management skills that are crucial in today’s competitive job market.