News

BRCC offers new short courses for fast-track credits

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 25, 2025

Blue Ridge Community College is offering year-end 4-week short courses for the first time in December.

The accelerated courses begin on Dec. 1 and end Dec. 31, allowing students to earn college credit in less time than a full semester. The addition builds on the popularity of Blue Ridge’s 8-week short courses, which help students to quickly complete program requirements to catch up or get ahead on their studies.

The new 4-week offerings include core classes required for many students, including College Transfer Success, which is a foundational course for students planning to start their education at Blue Ridge and then transfer credits to another institution toward a bachelor’s degree.

“Our winter break classes give students a unique opportunity to stay on track or get ahead while enjoying the flexibility of a focused, four-week format,” said Vice President for Instruction and Chief Academic Officer Dolly Horton. “With small online classes and one-on-one faculty support, students can catch up, transfer credits, or prepare for spring—all in a way that fits their goals and schedules.”

Four-Week Short Courses include:

• ACA-122: College Transfer Success (1 credit). This course helps students develop clear academic and professional goals for life beyond community college. It focuses on strategies for effective planning, critical thinking, and communication skills—key tools for making a successful academic transition.
• ART-111: Art Appreciation (3 credits): Explore the origins and historical development of art in this introductory course. By the end, students will be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods, and media from across the ages.
• ASL-111: Elementary ASL I (3 credits): This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) within a rich cultural context. Students will learn how to understand and respond to ASL with grammatical accuracy, while also developing an awareness of Deaf culture. Note: ASL-181 (ASL Lab I) is a required co-requisite and must be taken alongside this course.
• ASL-181: ASL Lab I (1 credit): Designed to support ASL-111, this lab offers additional practice to build expressive and receptive signing skills. Students will use various supplemental materials to help reinforce their learning and improve fluency.
• DRA-111: Theatre Appreciation (3 credits): Gain a deeper understanding of theatre as both an art and a business. This course explores the roles of the playwright, director, actor, designer, producer, and critic, helping students appreciate the collaborative nature of theatrical production.
• EDU-119: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (4 credits): This comprehensive course introduces students to the field of early childhood education. Topics include child development theories, national and state learning standards, classroom environments, guidance strategies, curriculum planning, and ethical conduct. Students also explore career paths and professionalism in the field.
• PSY-150: General Psychology (3 credits): Dive into the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. This course covers a wide range of topics such as history and research methods, brain and behavior, sensation and perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal psychology, personality theories, and social interactions.

Students ready to enroll can apply at www.blueridge.edu/admissions; current students can contact Student Services or their advisers about adding Short Courses to their schedules. Financial aid and scholarships are available, including the Build Your Future Grant for Helene-affected students and the Next NC Scholarship. All upcoming Short Courses, including 8-week Short Courses starting in January, are listed at www.blueridge.edu/short-courses. Students must enroll by Nov. 26.