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BCC Profile
BCC currently offers 34 associate degree and 13 certificate
programs, including options and concentrations. In addition, the
office of LifeLong Learning offers a wide range of noncredit courses
and workshops. The college’s Business and Industry Development team
provides on-campus and on-site customized training programs for
local and regional companies.
Most of the college’s programs of study can be classified
as one of the following:
- Transfer Programs: These programs
parallel the first two years of similar programs at most public
and private baccalaureate institutions and provide a solid basis
for transfer with advanced standing. The advantages of beginning
these programs at BCC before transferring to a baccalaureate institution
include such items as smaller classes, personal attention, and
cost. There is also some evidence to suggest that students who
begin their post-secondary education at a community college tend
to do better than their counterparts who start at a baccalaureate
institution.
- Career Programs: These programs
are designed to provide the theory and technical skills needed
for entry into the job market immediately after graduation. Individual
courses within these programs may transfer into related programs
at baccalaureate institutions.
- General Studies Program: This
program (Liberal Arts) is primarily designed for students who
have not yet decided on a particular field of study, as well as
students who have already chosen a program and college or university
to which they plan to transfer. In either case, the program provides
a flexible curriculum that combines a core of transfer courses
with an opportunity to explore various occupational courses through
free electives.
The Joint Admissions Program and Massachusetts Transfer
Compact between BCC, the University of Massachusetts, and other
state colleges in Massachusetts make it easy to transition to these
public institutions. BCC’s career development and transfer counselors
help students to set their goals for the future. Faculty members
and personal counselors assist students with questions and problems,
while the office of Student Life sponsors many clubs and cultural
events.
Student Profile
The vast majority of BCC students (98%) are residents
of Massachusetts with 97 percent coming from Berkshire County. More
than half (58%) of the students are women. In addition, more than
half (53%) are “nontraditional” students - that is, 23 years of
age or older.
Last year, BCC also enrolled 46 international students
from 18 different countries.
Graduate & Transfer
Statistics
BCC awarded its first two degrees, both to women, in 1961. Last
year, 313 degrees and certificates were conferred on students in
31 programs of study. BCC graduates have transferred to colleges
and universities all over the Commonwealth, throughout the United
States, and even other countries.
According to the college’s most recent graduate survey,
217 students transferred to 178 colleges and universities across
the country to continue their education. Fifty-five percent are
employed full time after graduating; 43 percent work part time.
Of employed graduates, 71 percent work in Berkshire County and 79
percent have jobs in the field of their major. Many graduates work
and continue their education at the same time.
Based on formulae found in the American Council on
Education publication Setting the National Agenda: Academic Achievement
and Transfer, during 2002-2003, 136 BCC students transferred to
136 degree-granting institutions in 22 states, resulting in a transfer
rate of 46 percent compared to a national average of 23 percent.
Updated: 6/21/05, /std
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