The number of adults looking for degree-completion programs is steadily growing, and GCU@Hazlet, launched in 2017 by Georgian Court University, is keeping pace.
GCU will preview its growing roster of GCU@Hazlet programs at a special Open House Wednesday, April 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brookdale Community College’s Northern Monmouth campus. That’s also where prospective students can join university officials, faculty members, and community leaders for an overview of GCU@Hazlet and the partnership between Brookdale, a public college, and GCU, a private Catholic university. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required.
GCU@Hazlet Helps Students Expand Their Possibilities
Most evenings, GCU@Hazlet classrooms and study areas are packed with working adults focused on finishing their degrees in English, education, interdisciplinary studies, psychology, and business administration. As adult learners, they are attracted to the streamlined structure of GCU@Hazlet, which allows them to manage their college classes alongside family and work obligations—all at an affordable rate and at times that fit their busy lives.
“Students come from a variety of backgrounds and often have college experience from various institutions when they enroll at GCU@Hazlet,” explains Justin G. Roy, GCU’s vice president for enrollment management. “They enroll because they want to degree up and go from having an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree or to finish what they started in the past. Some are career changers or employees looking to progress in their career, and more.
“No matter their motivation, GCU@Hazlet faculty welcome them into a community that cares, a community that focuses on learning, and a community that looks to lift students up,” he said. “Together, we work with students to see them cross that stage at Commencement, knowing they have just paved a new road.”
New GCU@Hazlet Programs Present New Opportunities
By Fall 2018, GCU@Hazlet offerings will grow to include a new R.N. to B.S.N. program for registered nurses who want to grow professionally and progress in their careers; a B.S.W. for aspiring social workers; and the site’s first graduate program—a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) likely to appeal to entrepreneurs, experienced business professionals, and career changers. Another round of new programs will launch at GCU@Hazlet by Fall 2019.
“Over the past three years, Georgian Court University has seen amazing growth in programs and students,” Mr. Roy adds. “The addition of our Hazlet location in 2017 not only addressed our growth and need for an additional site, but our desire and commitment to serving transfer students and adult learners and degree completers.”
GCU@Hazlet currently serves students from Monmouth, Middlesex, and Union counties, and makes a private college education accessible at an affordable rate competitive with many public institutions.