Early College Academy for Health Sciences

Build college credits and confidence

Kutztown University, in partnership with area high schools, is helping to provide accelerated access to a college education through exploring what college has to offer with this unique, dual enrollment program.

Health sciences TRACK - How it Works

High school seniors who are interested in attending college, especially a four-year institution, can attend classes on KU’s campus where they take two courses in the fall semester and two in the spring. The four courses count toward a college degree.

Classes are scheduled for half a day, two or three days a week. By the end of the academic year, students can earn up to 12 credits, equivalent to one full-time semester of college. For some schools, students will participate in an internship program on other days of the week.

Weekly Course Schedule:

  • Courses are scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Friday for the Fall and Spring semesters
  • Two days per week in person on the Kutztown University campus
  • One day per week virtual (synchronous or asynchronous)

Courses

Fall Semester

  • FYSM 100: First Year Seminar

    The First-Year Seminar prepares students for the kind of academic work expected in college. In a small class setting, students work closely with their professors and peers to explore a particular
    topic in-depth and develop skills that are essential for success at the university. Skills include those in substantive reading, critical thinking, writing, speaking, ethical analysis and reasoning,
    active and collaborative learning, academic research, and the use of technology. Students also learn how to use university resources, including student support services, in their academic pursuits. This course aims to foster a sense of belonging, promote engagement in the curricular and co-curricular life of the university, encourage self-responsibility, and articulate to students
    the benefits of higher education and the expectations and values of the university. The course also seeks to help students develop and apply essential study skills, enhance critical thinking and communication, and explore interests, abilities, and values.

  • COMM 130: Interpersonal Communication

    This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication. It is designed to create an increased awareness and application of the concepts, skills, and strategies that are important to enable students to become interpersonally competent communicators in their personal and professional relationships.

Spring Semester

  • COMM 261: Introduction to Health Communication

    This course is designed to introduce students to the field of health communication. It will explore health-related communication as it applies to the dissemination, interpretation, and impact of health-related messages. Students will learn about communication between health-providers and patients/clients, health education initiatives and campaigns, as well as communication dynamics in health organizations. Students will gain both knowledge and experience in the use of communication to promote individual and public health.

  • SOWK 100: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare

    This course provides an overview of the development of social welfare and social work practice. The historical development of social welfare is related to the emergence and the development of the social work profession. The course introduces knowledge, values, and skills as the common base of generalist social work practice. The problem solving approach to social work practice with multi-level system is introduced. Required of all social work majors.

Apply Now to the Early College Academy

Benefits of the Program

As part of the program, students will...

  • Get a jumpstart on a collegiate degree.
  • Generate interest and increase success in college.
  • Complete 12-credits, a semester's worth of courses, before high school graduation.
  • Experience college life by spending time on KU's campus.
  • Receive reduced tuition rate and the waiver of most fees as part of the agreement with the partnering school districts.
  • Gain access to Rohrbach Library, the Planetarium, and STEAMWORKS - KU’s
    makerspace.
  • Become familiar with college courses under the guidance of expert faculty.
  • Increase their confidence and efficacy in completing college coursework and enrolling in college.
  • Step into college by special stacked sections of courses that align with high school schedules.
  • Meet other high school students from across Berks and Lehigh counties.
  • Have support from KU in admission, enrollment and registration.

*Requirements must be completed before admission to the dual enrollment program.

*Cost, transportation and track availability is determined by each school district. Contact your school counselor for details and to enroll.

Participating Districts

Kutztown University has partnered with a number of districts for this exciting program.

For More Information

Is your district interested in partnering with KU? Have any other questions?

Office of Clinical Education and Partnerships
Email:  
Phone: 610-683-4256

Are you a student interested in dual enrollment, but your district isn't yet participating in the Early College Academy?

Please review our other dual-enrollment opportunities.