Rowan College At Burlington County Expands 3+1 Program

Rowan College at Burlington County has added Rowan University’s Inclusive Education curriculum to its 3+1 program, the college announced this week. The 3+1 program allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree for less than what most universities charge for a single year.

It will begin in the fall with freshman courses. After meeting all program requirements and timelines, enrollees would become senior-year Rowan University students in Mount Laurel during the fall of 2021.

Students who complete this program 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 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,” Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs said. “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 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 Dr. Ali Houshmand said. “We’re thrilled to provide these uniquely designed programs at RCBC.”

Since Rowan College at Burlington County introduced its 3+1 program in January of 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,” Rowan College at Burlington County 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.

The attached image was provided by Rowan College at Burlington County