AHEAD Program FAQ

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AHEAD Program FAQ

How do you apply and get accepted to the AHEAD program? And is it competitive?
You follow the regular application process. Let Admissions know that you want into the AHEAD program. The advisors are Roger Crowe (694-6491, rcrowe@pstcc.edu), Denise Reed (539-7020, dcreed@pstcc.edu) and Tyra Barrett (694-6465, tbarrett@pstcc.edu). You can contact one of them to get started in the program. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. We will allow a maximum of 30 students into the cohort.
When is the next time that I could apply for enrollment?
Registration for fall semester starts April 6 and continues until August 26, 2009. Complete the application process and contact one of the advisors for an appointment. The 16 month program runs from September 1, 2009 to December 16, 2010.
Do any credits that I currently have go towards the program?
Bring your transcript with you when you meet with an advisor, and he/she can tell you. If you have any general education credits, they normally transfer (ENGLISH 1010, SPEECH 2100, etc.) as long as you made a C or better.
If I have already taken several courses in the management program, can I still join the AHEAD cohort?
This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors determining this include: current GPA, number of Ws and Fs on transcript, and the size of the official cohort group.
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of people working together for some purpose. In the AHEAD program, the students move through the curriculum in a group so that the same people are in every class together.
Are AHEAD classes less demanding than regular semester-long courses?
DEFINITELY NOT! In fact, the successful AHEAD student needs to be highly self-motivated and disciplined in order to be successful in the program and to complete it on time.
Can I schedule some fast-track courses and some regular 14 week courses as I move through the program?
Except for the first three, all evening Management courses are fast-track. Most of the other courses are offered in both formats. It is to the advantage of the AHEAD students to stay with the fast-track students for two reasons:
If you do not stay with the AHEAD schedule you may find yourself out of sequence and unable to complete the program in 16 months, as designed. Students moving through the AHEAD program as a cohort are more likely to be successful because of the bonding that occurs among the members of the cohort and the consequent ability to work well together. The cohort members also provide emotional support when the challenges seem overwhelming. In addition, students doing well in a subject are better able to assist those who may find the course more difficult.
Can I take a break; that is, can I skip a semester periodically?
No. Doing so would require you to wait and join the next cohort which could delay your graduation for up to a year. In addition, you would lose the advantage of the cohort’s bonding which is so important to successful completion of the AHEAD program. If you find it necessary to drop out of the AHEAD program, you can continue to pursue the Management degree in the regular full semester program.
Are there summer classes in the AHEAD program?
Yes. Students will attend classes 4 consecutive semesters - fall, spring, summer and the next fall (16 months total).
Can I work full time and participate in AHEAD?
Yes, the AHEAD program is specifically designed for people working full time.
Is there a cost difference in the classes?
At the present time, there is no cost difference. That could change July 1 when we receive the tuition costs for fall 2009 semester. For the academic year 2008-2009 tuition was $1,399 per semester for 12 hours or more.
Once you complete the program can it be applied to the programs that PSTCC has with UTK or ETSU, etc?
You can continue for a bachelor's degree at Tennessee Wesleyan, Tusculum and Strayer University.

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