Blog / South Coast / Attending Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable
Although Cape Cod doesn't have a university, there are opportunities for higher education. One such facility is Cape Cod Community College, which has a campus on Iyannough Road in West Barnstable.
The school is small but offers enough educational options that many Cape residents can earn the certification they need without leaving the area. This location could be a bonus for families considering relocating to Cape Cod because their children can at least begin their career training without leaving home.
Here's everything you need to know about Cape Cod Community College.
Associate Degrees and Certificates
Getting your start at Cape Cod Community College is as simple as registering for an associate degree or certificate program. It's worth noting that you can transfer the credits you earn on the Cape to a four-year college later on. Some certificate or associate programs are good enough to begin applying for employment, too.
Certificates available at Cape Cod Community College include:
These certificates generally take about a year of study to complete and immediately open you up to all kinds of employment opportunities.
Associate degrees are usually two years long, but you'll often have to upgrade to a four-year program off-Cape to gain employment in your field. Two-year degrees at the college include:
Once you complete your associate degree, you can go in numerous directions, as many Cape residents will head to more prominent universities in Boston or other East Coast locations.
Bachelors and Masters Degrees
You will have options to complete your four-year degree on the Cape and even earn a master's, depending on your area of study.
That's because Cape Cod Community College has partnerships with some nearby four-year universities to offer select programs through their West Barnstable campus.
For example, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the University of Massachusetts–Boston at Cape Cod Community College. You'll have to apply directly through UMASS Boston, but you can take your courses on Cape Cod, making your life easier if you're a resident.
You can also earn a Master in Clinical Social Work through Boston University while studying at Cape Cod Community College. There was a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University available at one point, but the school has no plans to run it again in the future.
However, it's worth noting that Cape Cod Community College is interested in operating additional Cape Cohort programs in the coming years, so contact the Office of Advanced Studies directly to learn more.
Class Schedules
One of the great things about Cape Cod Community College is that they realize there's an immense need for flexibility because many students take classes part-time. That's why they offer numerous options for attending class, depending on your individual schedule.
First, you can attend lectures in person like a traditional university. You'll attend classes daily through this model, making it the most straightforward option. If you can't make some classes, though, you could take a remote learning program where you'll attend classes via live stream. It's possible to blend in-person and remote learning, too, depending on your needs.
You can also do online learning, which doesn't involve set classroom times. Instead, you'll handle your classwork on your own time.
Cape Cod Community College prides itself on this flexibility, so you can find a class schedule that works for you no matter where you are in life.
The Cape Cod Community College Student Experience
One potential drawback when attending Cape Cod Community College is that it doesn't provide the same experience as a major university. You won't find fraternities or sororities, and there aren't any sports teams to support, so some students might feel like they're missing out on the college experience.
What Cape Cod Community College does provide, though, is the opportunity to begin your post-high school education without leaving Cape Cod. The school offers high-end educational opportunities and the flexibility to fit into your schedule, saving you time and money in the process.
There's even a Quick Term option through Cape Cod Community College, where you can complete an entire course in just seven weeks. This offering makes it possible to pick up the credits you need to transfer to a larger school in a hurry, so you aren't left waiting for long.
About 6,000 people take courses through Cape Cod Community College every year, so you won't be alone if you choose to go this route.
If you're thinking about buying a home on Cape Cod but aren't sure about the local educational opportunities available for your kids, learning a bit about Cape Cod Community College is sure to put your mind at ease.
