New Fully Online General Studies Associate Degree Now Available for one of the Lowest Tuition Rates in the Country

Three Rivers Community College is excited to announce its first fully online degree program, General Studies, A.S., which begins August 28. With online courses that can fit every schedule and one of the lowest college tuitions in the country, this new program can either jump start students on a career or provide a direct pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island are all eligible for this low in-state tuition rate.online student

The General Studies degree program offers a broad focus that allows students to remain engaged in their coursework by studying favorite subjects as well as subjects that are new to them. The open framework and ability to explore academically can inspire students to move in new directions and continue on to a bachelor’s degree program of their choice. The degree program is a perfect stepping-stone for continuing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The multidisciplinary approach of the general studies program, combined with how students select coursework based on their interests and career goals, make this option an excellent way to prepare for further study. Three Rivers President Mary Ellen Jukoski adds, “The general studies online degree program provides a flexible schedule for students who have busy lives to earn a college degree in a manner that is convenient and affordable.”

Three Rivers graduates can continue to learn online and pursue a bachelor’s degree at Charter Oak State College. Charter Oak is 100% online and accepts every credit from Three Rivers associate degrees. Charter Oak also has a special agreement with Three Rivers that allows students who have earned their associate degrees to attend for their junior and senior year at the community college tuition rate. A student can complete their first two years and earn an associate degree at Three Rivers for less than $9,000 and then go on to earn a bachelor’s degree for an additional $9,000. In total, they will have earned a bachelor’s degree for less than $18,000 at current rates, and that is before subtracting financial aid.

Three Rivers and, through the partnership, Charter Oak are incredibly affordable online options. Many schools offer online learning, but Three Rivers is accredited, a member of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and offers one of the lowest tuitions in the country. One credit at Three Rivers is only $244, which is significantly less than $320 at the University of Southern New Hampshire, $398 at the University of Phoenix or $570 at the Post University. Financial aid further reduces costs, and sixty-seven percent of Three Rivers students receive financial aid.

The General Studies program is available both on campus and online, so why enroll in this new fully online program? For many the biggest obstacle to going back to school is time. Life is busy. Whether working, raising a family or both, finding the time to take classes can seem impossible. With online classes, students can fit education into their schedule, learning at home when it works for them. Online students still benefit from Three Rivers student support services, online academic advising and tutoring, financial aid experts, career services and more.

The new fully online General Studies associate degree program begins this fall. Classes start August 28, so there is still time to enroll. Learn more by visiting threerivers.edu/online or call 860-215-9016.

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Library Technology Certificate

[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1719-754-library-cropped.jpg” bg_position=”center top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ top_shape_color=”#ffffff” bottom_shape_color=”#ffffff” el_class=”header-section” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]Library Technology Certificate[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1469643567733{background-color: rgba(77,49,142,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(77,49,142) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469643994949{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Please note that as of July 1, 2023, all program information should be accessed through the CT State Community College Catalog. Specific program information on this page may no longer be accurate beyond this date.
[vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_tabs responsive=”false” container_bg_color=”#ffffff” el_class=”program-tabs”][vc_tab title=”Overview” tab_id=”1469358364-1-57″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1531918866101{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Three Rivers offers a fully online, 27-credit certificate in Library Technology that is recognized by the American Library Association and is the only one of its kind in New England! The program ensures that today’s students gain the knowledge they need to work successfully in 21st century libraries. It prepares individuals for employment in library positions that do not require a graduate degree in library science and is highly regarded in the library community. With 100% online courses and flexible scheduling options, this is the perfect program for anyone who wants to start a library career or broaden their library technology skill set!

Library technology support staff are involved in all library operations and the training our graduates receive prepares them to perform a wide range of library skills and services. Employment of library support staff is expected to grow by 9 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Program Structure

As it is 100% online, you can take courses from anywhere. Library Technology online courses are three credits and held during traditional 15-week semesters. However, students may condense their work into 12, 13, or 14 weeks upon agreement with their professor.

Students who enter the program with extensive experience in library public services and/or cataloging may consider taking the one-credit Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) course that supports extensive portfolio development. The portfolio is submitted for consideration in lieu of taking LIB K101 – Introduction to Library Public Services or LIB K116 – Cataloging and Classification. Learn more about the Assessment of Prior Learning here.

Tuition

Residents of Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island are eligible to take courses at the Connecticut in-state tuition rates. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont residents receive reduced out-of-state tuition rates through the New England Board of Higher Education program. Learn more about Three Rivers tuition and fees.

Certification

The Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSC) from the American Library Association – Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) recognizes Three Rivers Community College as one of the few national academic providers of approved Library Technology courses for support staff. Graduates of the Three Rivers Community College Library Technology Certificate program receive ALA-LSSC certification. Students who complete the Library Technology certificate at Three Rivers demonstrate nationally accepted competencies of library service and operations. Our graduates are employed in numerous libraries across Connecticut and New England.

Consider the Library Technology Certificate if you are a:

  • Current library support staff member – Have you gone as far as your skills will allow you to go? Are you ready for more responsibility, more knowledge, more respect, and more opportunities to advance? This is the program for you.
  • Library volunteer or library lover interested in moving into a paid library position  – Three Rivers will give you the technical skills and resume boost you need to turn your passion into a career.
  • Student or career changer considering an MLS or other professional library degree – If you’re interested in libraries but not ready to commit to a full graduate program yet, start with Three Rivers and see if librarianship is for you.
  • Library media specialist who went through the Alternate Route program – If you want additional library technology training to complement your teaching skills – and the flexibility to take classes online and any time – this is the program for you.
  • Library director or manager – If you want to enable your support staff to improve their skills, knowledge and abilities, steer them toward Three Rivers – and watch as they bring new energy and ideas back to your library.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][mk_fancy_title color=”#cb1d5c” size=”30″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google”]Special Opportunities[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1529959477352{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Students who opt to continue on to an Associate degree in General Studies or Liberal Arts and Sciences may apply Library Technology courses to fulfill some electives in their plan of study.[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#cb1d5c” size=”30″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google”]Career Options[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1529959536253{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]There is an increased demand for skilled library paraprofessionals. Paraprofessionals perform a variety of duties in public services and technical support areas. Careers are available at:

  • Public libraries
  • Academic libraries
  • Government libraries
  • Public School media centers
  • Private school libraries
  • Corporate libraries
  • Law Firm libraries
  • Special libraries
[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#cb1d5c” size=”30″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google”]Career Options[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1551113473147{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Because you are interested in the Library Technology Certificate, you might want to look at these programs, too.

English Studies, A.A. – CSCU Pathway Transfer Degree
General Studies, A.S.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, A.A.

General Studies Certificate

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See below for a list of all full-time Department Faculty. Please note that not all listed faculty may teach courses related to this specific degree or certificate program.

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PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Marie Shaw
 
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