Academics
Darton College is a member of the University System of Georgia, located in Albany, Georgia. It historically has operated as a two-year college, serving students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions and those who wish to begin their careers after earning an associate’s degree, however, in May 2011 it was given permission by the University System of Georgia to offer bachelor degrees in nursing.
Total enrollment is approximately 5,000. The majority of students are women, and 48 percent are minorities. Students are primarily from southwestern Georgia, but 15 states and 19 countries are represented in the student body.
The college offers over 50 majors in fields leading to transfer to four-year schools and more than 20 two-year career degree programs. Numerous online degrees are offered, as are certificate programs.
Darton is designated as southwest Georgia’s education center for nursing and allied health education.As previously mentioned, it now offers the bachelor of science in nursing degree. The allied health programs include cardiovascular technology, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, emergency medical service, health information technology, human services technology, medical laboratory technology, nursing paramedic-RN bridge, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapy assistant, psychiatric technology, and respiratory care.
A few of the other associate degrees offered are accounting, business computer systems, governmental services, histologic technology, management paralegal studies, psychiatric technology and human services technology.
To receive an associate’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of academic work, with at least 18 hours in residence at Darton and meet a competency in fitness/wellness requirement unless exempted by a specific program requirement. Under a Georgia law, students must also pass courses or an exam in United States and Georgia history and the United States Constitution.
The college follows the six-area core curriculum proscribed by the University of Georgia System to enhance transferability within the system. Students pursuing transfer associate degrees take 60 semester hours in the core curriculum. Nine hours must be taken in essential English and math skills, and four hours are chosen from computer science, communications and speaking, ethics, foreign languages, leadership development, science and society, financial planning and investment management, mythology, or global issues; students also take six hours in humanities or fine arts, 11 hours in science, mathematics and technology, and 12 hours in social science. Courses may also be taken in array of fields of emphasis in arts and sciences.
Academic support includes labs for coaching in writing, math and foreign languages, and peer-tutoring centers in other disciplines. Darton is designed a Military-Friendly College and the Darton College Military Resource Center services active, reserve and National Guard personnel and future students and veterans.
