Notre Dame College is growing by degrees — academic degrees, that is.
Recently, the college added numerous courses leading to either certificates or degrees.
The college’s new three-year nursing program, introduced last year, is “going strong,” says Mary Ann Kovach, Notre Dame College director of public relations. A coordinated effort with the Huron School of Nursing, the program leads to an associate of science in health sciences degree and a nursing diploma. Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
The college has also added a certificate in intelligence analysis through its Center for Professional Development. The certificate qualifies recipients for a role in intelligence in government, business and law enforcement. Offered in a flexible weekend format and taught by experienced local law enforcement professionals, the new certificate complements a degree in business, criminal justice, political science, sociology, law enforcement or psychology. Those interested in obtaining the certificate must hold an associate’s degree or have graduated from Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy (OPOTA). Five courses are being offered, including Introduction to Intelligence Analysis, Terrorism, and Business Intelligence (Competitive Intelligence).
The intelligence analysis program, which is also offered in a semester format as part of a concentration in history and political science, was spurred by the increased focus on homeland security post Sept. 11, Kovach says. “We recognized that students were interested in these areas,” she says.
A certificate in training and human resources development is also being offered in partnership with the Cleveland Chapter of American Society for Training and Development. The program targets human resources professionals and offers continuing education hours, with classes conducted on Friday or Saturday evenings. As with most certificate programs at Notre Dame, continuing education credit and/or college credit is available.
Notre Dame’s popular Teacher Education Evening Licensure (TEEL) program is offered in Cleveland, Akron-Canton, Youngstown, Cincinnati and Columbus. “Students may study for their license while holding down a full-time job by taking evening courses,” Kovach explains. “In order to qualify they must have a bachelor’s degree in any area. Field experience is also a requirement.”
The Center for Professional Development is also offering an athletic coaching certificate available to those who are already coaching or are teaching in a school or at a community athletics program. There are no previous academic requirements.
The school’s business leadership program is available to working people who want to enhance their management skills.
Yet Notre Dame College is making changes in more than its academic areas. It presently boasts 15 athletic teams. Last year, a baseball team was added for men as were men’s and women’s golf teams and a women’s lacrosse team.
And, as its enrollment continues to grow, the college has increased the number of available residence hall rooms. “We have turned common areas in residence halls into dorm rooms to accommodate new students,” Kovach says.
Significant physical changes have also been made. A new Green Road entrance has been introduced to alleviate traffic from side streets and provide easy access to the college grounds. Additional parking has been created behind residence halls. And, a legacy brick walkway is being built that will join the administration building, the residence halls, Clara Fritzsche Library and the Keller Athletic Center.
“A lot is happening on campus,” Kovach says enthusiastically. “We’re growing at a very fast pace.”
