Craig Smith graduates from the Degree Completion Program in 2023.

Degree Completion

Craig Smith '23: Inspired by achieving bachelor's degree, he's now enrolled in Executive MBA program

Outcomes

Craig Smith ’23 graduated in May 2023.
 
Why did you decide to enroll in the Degree Completion Program?
 
I started college about 22 years ago, but a divorce and sole custody of my then-2-year-old daughter meant I had to make some hard life choices and step back from pursuing a degree at that point. I always wanted to return for my degree, but something was always in my way: red tape, losing too many credits from my previous attempt, etc. During my daughter's first semester at Bellarmine University, I received an email about the Degree Completion Program, and after a 45-minute Zoom call, I knew Bellarmine was suitable for my goals. Knowing I could transfer many of my 120 credits and not start over, I applied that day.
The undergrad degree has already earned me a promotion at my current employer.  
How has your program prepared you to succeed in your field?
 
The Degree Completion Program at Bellarmine University has given me the desire and tenacity to further my studies. As an admitted graduate student, I will pursue my Executive Master's of Business Administration at Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University in the coming semester. Having plateaued in my field, the degree and advanced degree potential will open many doors soon for me. The undergrad degree has already earned me a promotion at my current employer. 
 

Tags: Degree Completion

 

ABOUT BELLARMINE

Located in the historic Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, Bellarmine University is a vibrant community of educational excellence and ethical awareness that consistently ranks among the nation’s best colleges and universities. Our students pursue an education based in the liberal arts – and in the distinguished, inclusive Catholic tradition of educational excellence, the oldest and most rewarding in the western world. It is a lifelong education, worthy of the university’s namesake, Saint Robert Bellarmine, and of his invitation to each of us to learn and live In Veritatis Amore – in the love of all that is beautiful, true and good in life.