Transfer season is right around the corner. It is a stressful period for many students trying to finish up their applications. Although there are many schools students can apply to throughout the state, one of the best options for Bellevue College students is Eastern Washington University at BC.
There are six major programs offered by EWU at BC, including a bachelor’s degree in business administration, children’s studies, interdisciplinary studies of social and behavior sciences, psychology and technology and applied technology. The cost of tuition at BC is less expensive than that of the main campus, which is located in Cheney, Wash. Furthermore, the tuition is the same for domestic and international students, making it a great option for international students tired of additional tuition costs. There is a list of things international students have to complete to go to EWU at BC, which are unique to each student’s situation. International students should consult with an adviser before transferring. Students can take both classes at EWU and BC at the same time.
Educational Outreach Advisor Amy Lonn-O’Brien said that the main motive for establishing the program was, “to provide students with one more option in the area that could fit their busy schedules and busy lives.” Studying at EWU at BC is ideal for several reasons. Many students who have a good job in the area, great living situation or nearby family support do not want to move from BC after completing their transfer degree. Studying at EWU at BC allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree while maintaining the rest of their living circumstances. Lonn-O’Brien also said that she did not want students to miss out on the opportunity of applying to students who are interested in EWU, but could not travel all the way to Cheney.
Current student Patty Yee says, “You receive a Bachelor’s degree at the same campus you are currently enrolled in. You will know your classmates every quarter and you won’t have to go through the freshman feel during your junior year. It is conveniently located in Bellevue, and their classes work perfectly with a full-time work schedule.” BC students are already familiar with the campus, making the transition to a four-year school smooth and easy. Students at EWU use the same facilities as BC students, including classrooms and library resources. The class size is also much smaller than most four-year universities, like the University of Washington, allowing students to get to know their professors.
Furthermore, classes take place in the evenings, usually after 5 p.m., so students can still juggle their jobs, volunteer work and internships with school. Online classes are also available for students to study at their own convenience. The EWU at BC program is meant for students who have to juggle multiple roles in their lives as a caregiver, parent, student, employee, etc.
EWU at BC also has a very successful Prior Learning option for adult learners. The program allows adult learners to have career experiences evaluated for a block of elective credit, with a maximum forty-five credits. This decreases the amount of credit required for an individual to get a degree from EWU.
The logistics of the program involve signing up online and applying to the regular EWU through the website. If they are admitted, they can opt to attend EWU at BC. Students interested in applying to EWU at BC are encouraged to make a connection with the office in their second to last or last quarter at BC. If interested, contact Amy Lonn-O’Brien at alonnobrien@ewu.edu or (425) 564-5105.
Another option for students is the Career Education Options program, a program for sixteen to twenty-one year olds who have not completed high school and would like a second chance to continue their education. This program helps students learn the skills that they missed, beginning with professional technical skills. Students are able to get transfer degrees as well through the program. There are a variety of reasons that students drop out from high school and then choose to attend the CEO program, including problems with the high school environment and spending time in prison. All fees of the program are paid for, including tuition, books, bus cards, etc. The program is competitive and the application process includes going to an information session, giving an entrance interview and taking the English assessment. During the interview, program coordinators look for “somebody who wants to learn, that follows all of the steps that they learn at the information session…somebody who makes their own appointment….somebody who has a decent attitude, wanting to be here,” according to CEO Program Specialist Lori Smith-Berry. If interested, contact Lori Smith-Berry at (425) 564-2510 or lori.smith-berry@bellevuecollege.edu.
