New Programs

Bennett College has enriched its academic curriculum with the launching of four new academic programs:  Africana Women’s Studies, Womanist Religious Studies, Global Studies, and a 2+2 Nursing Degree Program with Howard University; and 1 continuing education program, the Bennett College Returning Women's’ Program.

Africana Women’s Studies Program

The Africana Women’s Studies Program, based on institutional goals of scholarly excellence, leadership preparation, and life-long learning, focuses on the self-study of women, locally and worldwide.  Particular emphases are given to understanding the experiences, socio-cultural conditions, and histories of Africana women.  Students will acquire research methodologies; develop critical reading and writing skills through learning communities; and further their understanding of feminist praxis through service learning.  The program will offer courses this semester leading to a certificate in Women’s Studies.  Future plans include a minor and eventually a major in Women’s Studies. 

The Program also sponsors colloquia, seminars, curricula, and an annual summit featuring renowned scholars in the field.   For more information about this program please contact Dr. Valerie Kaalund, Program Director, at 336-517-2259.

Womanist Religious Studies Program

The Bennett College Womanist Religious Studies Program provides a breadth of education in biblical studies, theology, ethics, religious history and world religions.  The program will pay particular attention to the contributions and perspectives of African American women embracing the cultural, symbolic, and ritual diversity throughout the religious lives of women of color.  This program will offer courses during the spring semester leading to a certificate in Womanist Religious Studies.  Future plans include being the first undergraduate college or university to offer a minor and then a major in Womanist Religious Studies. 

Global Studies/Study Abroad Program

The Bennett College Global Studies/Study Abroad Program creates an educational experience for students to prepare them as leaders with a global vision and to take their place as informed global citizens.  An important element of that educational experience involves a period of study abroad and the option of subsequently enrolling in a program leading either to a Global Studies Minor of a Global Studies Certificate.  For more information about the program contact Dr. Bheki Langa at 336-517-2303.

The Bennett College/Howard University 2+2 Nursing Program

This program is being launched for the first time this fall.  It is an articulated agreement between Bennett College and Howard University Division of Nursing.  The agreement allows students to receive their Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  Students will enroll at Bennett College for their first two years as a pre-nursing major and upon successful completion of all prerequisite courses, students will enter into the clinical phase of nursing at Howard University for two years.  At the completion of the 2+2 program, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  For further information about this program, please contact Dr. Teresa Edwards at 336-517-2281.

The Bennett College Returning Women's Program

This program is the first phase of the Bennett College continuing education program.  This program will begin the latter part of September and will offer its first course, a course in Quilting entitled, “Imagination, Inspiration, Improvisation and Other Leaps of Faith.”  This course will explore creativity and the use of the imagination to examine and stretch the boundaries of “traditional” techniques of quilting.  Participants will also examine how “herstory,” communication, self-esteem, economics and the arts help and continue to define, reconstruct and enhance the lives of contemporary women. 

Our Artist in Residence, Ms. Jacqueline Hughes Mooney, will teach the course.  A schedule and additional details of the course will be released during the first week of September.