P.A.C.E. TODAY: Each year we begin seven to eight groups (or “cohorts”) of 15 to 22 students who move together through our 16-month program; four at our West Seneca campus, one at Jamestown Community College’s campus in Olean, and one at JCC’s main campus in Jamestown.  Every year a seventh group in either Arcade or Dansville at the GCC Campus Center.  Every other year an eighth group beings at an alternate location.  Our students take one course at a time and complete each course in five weeks.

WHAT DEGREE IS OFFERED?  P.A.C.E. graduates earn Bachelor of Science degrees in Management.  Along with providing a practical curriculum that will immediately benefit you in your current position, you will also earn a degree that will likely increase your opportunities for career advancement.

WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO WITH MY DEGREE FROM P.A.C.E?  One of the reasons we decided on a program in Management is that it has universal applications; to put it another way, where is there NOT management?  No matter what your background, the things you learn will immediately be able to be applied in the workplace.  While this is happening, you will earn a Bachelor’s degree, which most likely will open additional career opportunities.  Many of our students have told us that they couldn’t apply for a promotion or make a career change they desired until finishing their degree—maybe this is the case for you, too.  Also, many of our graduates have gone on to graduate school, earning degrees in business, education, law, health care administration, and other fields.

WHO GIVES THE DEGREE?  Your degree will be given by Houghton College.  Houghton has a long history of academic excellence and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?  A student must have earned approximately 64 transferable semester hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be at least 25 years of age.

WHEN DO I ATTEND CLASS?  Classes meet from 6:00 until 10:00, one evening per week.  The evening your cohort meets will depend on when and at what location you begin P.A.C.E., but that night will remain consistent throughout the program.  Classes are held year-round, except for holiday breaks.  P.A.C.E. does not require study groups.

HOW AM I GRADED?  Your grades will be based on the quality of your weekly homework assignments and your participation while in class.  Exams are not a part of the curriculum.  Our students tell us that they spend an average of 12 to 15 hours per week on their assignments. 

WHO ARE THE PROFESSORS?  Most of your instructors will come from Houghton’s main campus.  Adjunct professors from the business world are used on occasion.

CAN I EARN CREDIT FOR MY LIFE EXPERIENCES?  Houghton can award up to 24 credits for experiential learning, depending on the background and qualifications of each student.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR BOOKS AND FEES?  Class materials and fees are included in the tuition cost.  Textbooks and other materials are circulated through our library, although some of the books will be yours to keep.  Should you choose, you may purchase any of the textbooks you wish. 

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?  P.A.C.E. students are considered to be enrolled full time.  Therefore, you will be eligible to apply for traditional aid programs (TAP [for New York residents], Pell Grants, and Stafford Loans), based on your financial situation.  Occasionally, P.A.C.E. staff will learn of scholarship opportunities and pass along the appropriate information.  Your employer may offer tuition benefits, as well.

WILL I NEED A COMPUTER?  Yes, or at least access to one.  For each course, some of your materials—the class syllabus, homework assignments, and other items—will be downloaded from our website.  Please contact P.A.C.E. staff for more details.