The effectiveness of an accelerated cohort program on grade point averages in the industrial process control technology program at a rural middle Tennessee Community College

The purpose of this causal comparative study was to determine the effectiveness of accelerated cohort technical programs on student success, defined by grade point average, for both traditional and adult learners compared to traditional technical programs at the community college level. The study was conducted within the Industrial Process Control Program (IPCT) at a community college satellite campus located in a predominately rural county in middle Tennessee. The sample included 138 students who had successfully completed all remediation requirements and a minimum of one first semester IPCT course between the years of 2011 and 2014. Archival data was collected through cooperation with the community college's Institutional Research Department. The research was conducted utilizing a 2X2 factorial design with testing for significance achieved through the use of a two-way ANOVA with an alpha level of .05. The study found no significant effect or interaction when considering the grade point averages of students regardless of delivery method or age. The study concluded that accelerated cohort programs are a viable alternative to traditional delivery methods. The researcher suggests that further study is needed on multi-site programs and accelerated cohort student motivation.