The 3+1 program allows students to complete three years of course work at RCBC and a final year through Rowan University.
Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) and Rowan University have added Inclusive Education to the college’s 3+1 program, which officials say allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree for less than what most universities charge for a single year.
Students who complete this path at RCBC will earn a bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Education with a certification in Elementary Education and the opportunity for a New Jersey Department of Education Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement. Rowan University’s Inclusive Education program prepares students to become elementary classroom teachers with state certification to teach special education, for which officials say there is a critical shortage in New Jersey and throughout the country.
“As a former RCBC trustee, I am so proud we continue to provide new pathways for Burlington County residents to earn a high-quality, four-year degree through our affordable 3+1 program,” said Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs. “With this addition, we hope to address the decades-long shortage of special education teachers in our communities. Students seeking to enter the highly rewarding teaching profession and the families of children with special needs will both benefit from the opportunities being created at our community college.”
The program will begin this fall with freshman courses and after meeting all program requirements and timelines would become senior-year Rowan University students in Mt. Laurel during fall 2021.
“The 3+1 programs address critical workforce needs in our region by offering the same Rowan University curriculum at our community college partner institutions,” Rowan University President Ali Houshmand said. “We’re thrilled to provide these uniquely designed programs at RCBC.”
Officials say that since RCBC became the first community college in the region to offer junior-year courses in January 2017, it has had three consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. There are currently 700 students committed to the 3+1 program currently offered in biology, nursing, psychology, liberal studies, computing and informatics, and law and justice.
“3+1 offers tremendous benefits to our students, our college and the regional economy as we provide affordable paths to enter fields that have a clear demand for an educated workforce,” RCBC Acting President Michael Cioce said. “Burlington County and the Rowan partnership has made education a priority and this is a huge advancement in how we can prepare teachers to meet the needs of the 21st century.”
To learn more about the new inclusive education or other 3+1 programs, visit rcbc.edu/3plus1.
