Dual enrollment, second bachelor's degree fuel SGSC enrollment increase

South Georgia State College has realized a slight increase in its enrollment for the fall 2014 semester.  According to SGSC's enrollment services department, the head count for fall 2014 is 2,611 students, besting fall 2013's head count of 2,572, for a 1.5 percent increase. The student body boasts students from 344 high schools, 106 Georgia counties, 27 other states, and 10 foreign countries.

College officials attribute the increase to multiple factors, but it is primarily due to the expansion of the college's dual enrollment program, increased marketing efforts, and the launch of a second bachelor's degree. SGSC President Dr. Virginia Carson comments, "I am excited more and more students are taking advantage of our quality academic programs as well as the worthwhile student support programs we offer. The increase validates our marketing efforts are paying off, and people are hearing the many ways SGSC can help shape the lives of our students and help them build a successful future in any profession they choose."

For fall 2014, SGSC created new dual enrollment partnerships with several area high schools.  The program allows qualifying high school students the opportunity to take college classes at one of SGSC's locations for both high school and college credit; in some cases classes are also taught at high schools in the college's surrounding area. SGSC Vice President for Student Success Wes Brown states, "Dual enrollment is a win-win for students to obtain college credit while saving money on tuition costs. There are no fees or HOPE funds charged for this program."

The Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences kicked off this fall, becoming SGSC's second bachelor's degree following the launch of the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2012.Students enrolled in the biological sciences program can choose from two tracks – nature and ecology or pre-professional.  The pre-professional track prepares students for advanced study in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. Carson adds, "With this new degree, students interested in these high-demand fields can remain at SGSC and benefit from credentialed faculty and financial savings while completing their bachelor's degree."