Students at UNG's Cumming Campus now have four bachelor's degree offerings they can complete on the campus.
Article By: Clark Leonard
Students starting at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Cumming Campus this fall have four bachelor's degree options that will allow them to complete all four years of undergraduate studies on the campus.
They can earn bachelor's degrees in computer science, elementary and special education, international affairs with a European concentration, and management with a concentration in general management. Though upper-level courses for the majors will launch in fall 2024 when the 27,300-square-foot campus expansion opens, students may complete their general education requirements ahead of that time.
"We want students to realize they can start here and stay here," Dr. Ken Crowe, executive director of the Cumming Campus, said. "From start to finish, UNG's Cumming Campus offers four bachelor's degrees that you can complete without having to leave the Cumming Campus."
Dr. Ann Marie Francis, assistant dean for academic administration, said UNG students in Cumming have expressed a desire to be able to stay longer on the campus as they work toward their degrees.
"They like the small environment. They feel comfortable here," Francis said. "This gives us a chance to offer upper-level classes for students to complete their degrees here."
Noah Bryant started his time as a UNG student at the Cumming Campus before earning a degree in history in 2021. He earned a Fulbright scholarship that allowed him to earn a master's degree in Wales.
"I loved my time on the Cumming Campus and did everything I could to take classes there until I finally had to transfer to another campus to finish the credits that were not available in Cumming," Bryant said. "I loved the community, and I am glad to see future students will be able to remain on campus for a full four-year degree."
The expanded options are especially natural considering some of the industries that are strong in Forsyth County. Plus, Forsyth County Schools hires more College of Education graduates annually than any other district in the state.
We want students to realize they can start here and stay here. From start to finish, UNG's Cumming Campus offers four bachelor's degrees that you can complete without having to leave the Cumming Campus.
Dr. Ken Crowe
Cumming Campus executive director
Dr. Cristina Washell, department head of Elementary and Special Education, said some recent UNG graduates are already becoming mentor teachers for current UNG students.
"We are looking forward to the expansion. We want to continue to have a strong presence on the Cumming Campus," Washell said. "Many of our students living in Forsyth County really appreciate having a campus so close to home."
With so many technology-based companies near the Cumming Campus, students also have great learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
"It is very exciting that students will be able to complete their management degree in the Cumming area as they begin to look for jobs after graduation," Dr. Mike Lavender, Mike Cottrell College of Business associate dean for undergraduate programs, said. "This opportunity will allow students to complete internships nearby to begin laying the foundation for their careers."
With the number of European companies located in Forsyth County, bringing the international affairs degree to Cumming made sense.
"UNG's international affairs program is unique because we ask students to do study abroad and an internship," Dr. Craig Greathouse, department head of Political Science and International Affairs, said. "So they're really prepared when they finish the degree to go into the job market."
With so many high schools in Forsyth County, UNG expects the expanded degree offerings to make it a more appealing option for students.
"We want to be the destination university for students coming out of Forsyth County Schools," Dr. Brett Morris, vice president of Enrollment Management, said.
