Founded in 1964, Bauder College has a national reputation for its fashion design and merchandising programs. But there’s more to Bauder than fashion.
“We have been growing and expanding our programs steadily since 1972,” said Andrea Roth, executive director of career services and community outreach at the college.
Bauder is a private institution that offers a certificate in medical assisting; associate and bachelor’s degrees in business administration with concentrations in accounting, fashion merchandising and fashion product development; a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; associate degrees in fashion design, fashion merchandising, graphic design and interior design; associate and bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies; and a bachelor’s degree in information technology.
“Last year, we added an associate degree in nursing and a diploma in practical nursing. It’s unbelievable how fast those programs have taken off,” Roth said.
Bauder, which is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, has almost 700 students on its campus in the Northyards Office Park complex in downtown Atlanta.
“Our strength is that our education has always been career-focused,” Roth said. “Our students are a mix of [recent] high school graduates and workers who want to change direction. We offer one-on-one career counseling and planning to everyone.
“Our instructors come directly from the industry and many are still working in their fields, so their knowledge is first-hand and current. They know what skills are wanted and needed in today’s workplace.”
Students benefit from small classes and the campus’ close-knit environment. They learn skills in the classroom and through externships with local employers.
“We tell our students that their mission is to be as productive as possible in an externship, because it could turn into a job offer,” she said.
Students also gain experience by participating in school and community events. The Bauder Black Tie Gala is an annual event in which the college invites employers to examine portfolios of graduating seniors.
“We have so many wonderful alumni and often invite them back to campus to share their insider experience with students,” Roth said.
Criminal justice students practice their skills at Bauder’s Cold Case Institute, which brings in law enforcement and other specialists to help study unsolved cases.
“Whenever anyone calls from the community needing help with a charity fashion show or other event, we try to say, ‘Yes,’ “ Roth said. “We know it will give our students more opportunities to meet people and network.”
Total tuition is about $32,000 for an associate degree and up to $70,000 for a bachelor’s degree. Bauder students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid and the Georgia HOPE scholarship.
“We assist with job placement for all our graduates, and our placement rate last year was almost 90 percent,” Roth said.
For information, call 404-237-7573, Andrea Roth at 404-443-1756 or go to www.bauder.edu/Atlanta.
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