Elizabeth City, NC – College of The Albemarle (COA) proudly announces an exciting new educational opportunity – the Fast Track Associate in Arts Degree program. This program is designed for students who wish to expedite their enrollment in a four-year university or to enter the workforce sooner.

Unlike traditional two-year associate degree programs, the Fast Track Associate in Arts Degree option can be completed entirely online in just 15 months and is ideal for students ready to engage in more intensive coursework.

The program begins with the summer semester, during which students will take several general education courses, including natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Students will focus on English composition, math, and additional general education courses during the fall. A unique opportunity with this program is the winter intersession, which allows students to take Introduction to Ethics and Introduction to Sociology over four weeks. Winter intersession is a great way for students to meet graduation requirements at a faster pace.

Spring classes will include Writing/Research in the Disciplines, Public Speaking, a choice of foreign language, and electives aligned with their transfer or career goals. The program concludes with a final summer session, where students complete their remaining required electives, bringing the total credit hours to 60-61.

Lisa Meads, Arts and Sciences Dean, shared, “COA’s Fast Track Associate in Arts Degree is designed to meet the needs of today’s students—providing flexibility and speed. It’s our answer to the call for more adaptable, cost-effective higher education options. This program also allows students to align their coursework with their intended transfer institution’s Baccalaureate Degree Plan (BDP) and their educational needs.”

Prospective students are encouraged to apply to COA now, as the Fast Track Associate in Arts Degree program has limited spots available. Registration is open now, and the program will start in May for the Summer 2024 semester.

For additional information on the Fast Track Associate in Arts Degree program, please visit our website at https://www.albemarle.edu/aa or contact Brian Edwards, Division of Arts & Sciences, at [email protected], or 252-335-0821 ext. 7016.

For media inquiries or other COA-related information, please contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at [email protected] or 252.335.0821 ext. 2420.