Smart Degree Option

The Baker College Smart Degree Option, leading to any one of several bachelor's degree options, is an effective degree completion strategy. It is a significantly different and more beneficial approach than that taken by most colleges.

The course requirements are substantially the same in both the traditional and Smart Option Degree methods. The difference is the point at which coursework in the students’ majors is offered. With the Baker College Smart Degree Option, students begin required courses in their major’s while completing their associate's degree. In this format, enthusiasm for degree completion is established early and maintained throughout the program. Students interested in Business Administration, for example, are motivated by experiencing computer, management, and marketing courses early in their program. To counteract the dilemma of the student who drops out and is unable to secure a job after two years of college, the Baker Smart Degree Option offers major coursework immediately, providing a meaningful, highly marketable associate's degree.

Baker College ’s emphasis on degree completion also helps avoid the “professional student” syndrome by encouraging progress toward graduation. During the junior and senior years, the student completes a major and a minor while finishing the general education requirements. Many students are also employed during this period. Work experiences give greater meaning to the general education coursework, since career-minded students can better understand the importance of achieving a well-balanced education.

In summary, the Smart Degree Option provides the opportunity for a student to complete a significant portion of the bachelor’s degree major while finishing the associate's degree--all during the first two years! The Smart Degree Option increases motivation for completing the bachelor’s degree, provides faster employment readiness, and makes the third- and fourth-year studies more meaningful.

Consider the Baker College Smart Degree Option for a bachelor’s degree . . . a better way!

View our Smart Degree - Program Selector Guide to find the associate's and bachelor's degree programs geared for making our students a success!

Associate Degree Students

Entering freshmen pursuing an associate's degree will find a wide selection of business and technical programs designed for direct entry into jobs, which do not require completion of a bachelor's degree.

The Smart Degree Option for Freshmen Students

Freshmen entering Baker College who desire a Baker College Smart Degree Option bachelor's degree begin by enrolling in an associate's degree program. Most associate's degree programs lead to related bachelor's degrees. Following completion of the associate's degree, two options are available to the student:

1. To enter a bachelor's degree program as a full-time student.
2. To begin full-time employment and continue toward a bachelor's degree as a part-time student.

The Smart Degree Option for Transfer Students

Baker College is eager to assist transfer students who choose to enter any Baker bachelor’s degree program. Transfer students must first request official transcripts from high school and from all colleges attended for evaluation by the registrar. Requests for financial aid transcripts will also be required for those students applying for financial assistance. Transfer students should become familiar with the Baker College policy regarding acceptance of transfer credit. Students will find that Baker College is committed to applying this policy for maximum transfer of credit. The number of credits accepted by Baker College will determine entry at the associate's or bachelor’s degree level.