Academic Offering
The Agronomy Department, which requires 42 courses within the major and an additional 23 elective courses throughout the five-year program, fosters an awareness of the needs and realities of the rural area and prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a variety of areas, including: sustainable agriculture, rural economies, and environmental science. Current agricultural initiatives at the College include a model vegetable garden, recycling and compost center, plant nursery and coffee production. All students are required to write and defend a research project or business plan in order to graduate.
The Veterinary Science Department offers courses to prepare students for work with a variety of animals found throughout Bolivia's diverse geography. As part of the College's hands-on model, the Veterinary Department requires students to participate in learning modules, such as: hog and chicken production, meat processing, and bee keeping. In order to graduate from the five-year bachelor degree program, students must complete 43 required courses and 33 complementary elective courses. A final thesis project or business plan is must be defended in order to graduate.
The Nursing Department prepares graduates to work as health care professionals with specialized skills in public health. As part of the five-year program, students are required to participate in multiple week-long practical experiences in public hospitals in the capital city of La Paz, and at various hospitals, clinics and public health posts throughout the rural area in the Department of La Paz. In order to graduate, students must complete 48 obligatory courses, as well as complete either a final thesis project or a year-long residency program that includes three months at four different sites throughout the Department of La Paz.
Although it initially awarded degrees in elementary education, the Education Department now offers degrees in three specialized areas: alternative education, special education, and administrative education. The goal is to prepare young men and women to work as administrators and program developers in the areas of both public and private education and local government in Bolivia. In order to graduate, all students must defend a research project related to their area of focus.
The Ecotourism Department provides students with the opportunity to discover and showcase the diversity of Bolivia's culture, language, and natural wonders. The Ecotourism Department prepares graduates for work in state or local government, national parks, travel agencies, international organizations, as well as work as small business owners. Graduates of the five-year program possess the skills necessary for promoting sustainable tourism, Bolivia’s natural wonders, and generating income for small communities. All students must write and defend a research project or business plan to receive their diploma.
The College offers a semester-long Pre-University Program for students who want to study at the college level, but are not academically prepared. The Pre-University Program, which accepts approximately 80 students each semester, reviews basic high school skills in the primary areas of math, science, and language. Students who pass the Pre-University Program are automatically admitted to the College the following semester to study in the academic area of their choice.
Special Programs
The Language Department provides English language instruction to students in all five academic areas. The majority of faculty members in the UAC-CP’s Language Department are Professional Visitors who teach 1-2 classes at the College for a minimum of one semester. In addition to teaching English, many Professional Visitors also support the Department through a variety of activities sponsored by the English Club.
An important part of the College’s mission and vision is imbedded in the Pastoral Ministry Program and Theology Department. These special programs include all areas of study related to faith formation, mental and physical health, and vocational training. All aspects of the Campus Ministry Program provide ways for the College to incorporate and reinforce Catholic Social Teachings and Christian values into students’ academic work and personal lives. Thanks to special funding and grants, students and administrators are able to participate in bi-annual retreats and workshops that focus on topics relevant to the lives of UAC-CP students and staff.
The Food Cooperative Program provides healthy meals for approximately 70% of the UAC-CP’s student body. The two student-managed food cooperatives provide free breakfasts and subsidized lunches and dinners. In addition to actively participating in the Food Cooperative (cooking, cleaning, purchasing food, etc.), members must also pay a monthly contribution to help contribute to expenses. Additional expenses are offset thanks to donations to Carmen Pampa Fund and a grant from Cross Catholic Outreach.
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