Save time and money by completing your associate degree in just 1 year

Between moves and mom life, Alyssa Beach never got around to college.

When the Portsmouth resident finally carved out the time, she wanted to complete an associate degree program quickly. Tidewater Community College’s Accelerated Degree program offered her the opportunity to do just that.

Beach is among three Portsmouth Campus students who completed associate degrees this month in less than a year by going to college full time year-round. Beach earned the 60-credit Associate of Science in General Studies that will allow her to transfer to Old Dominion University as a junior.

“I felt like I needed to do more,” said Beach, a 2008 graduate of Granby High, who moved multiple times due to her husband’s job. “What really attracted me to TCC was being able to do this so quickly.”

Beach decided on a career path after a psychology class sparked her interest. She will work toward a bachelor’s in forensic psychology at ODU.

She recommends the Accelerated Degree option for students willing to commit to the demanding workload. “If you can get ahead, get ahead,” she said. “You can’t wait until the last minute to do your work.”

Two additional Portsmouth Campus students, Amber Kochishan and Alexis Mays, earned associate degrees in general studies following the Accelerated Degree program. Kochishan, who is in the Navy, plans to pursue a bachelor’s in social work when she returns to college in spring 2021. Mays plans to attend ODU this fall.

Accelerated Degree students attend classes in eight-week sessions on either the Norfolk or Portsmouth campuses for nearly one year.

Applications for the next cohort of students are due July 31. For information, contact enroll@tcc.edu.