3+1=bachelor’s
Partnership brings Ohio University degrees to Columbus State
The presidents of Columbus State Community College and Ohio University today signed an agreement to collaborate to expand access to higher education opportunities in central Ohio.
Columbus State's President Val Moeller shakes hand with Ohio University's President, Roderick J. McDavis
Under the program, students will be able to get an associate degree at Columbus State, then turn around and get a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University within two years. Not only that, but Ohio University plans to provide courses via distance learning and on the Columbus State campus, allowing students to get an Ohio University degree without leaving Columbus.
Columbus State has degree completion program agreements with several colleges, but this is one of the few that would bring classes from another school to the Columbus State campus.
Students would take three years of Columbus State courses and a final year of Ohio University courses. The first program, to start in Autumn 2008, will be a Bachelor of Applied and Technical Studies degree. The two colleges are working to finalize other degrees.
Delaina Watkins, a Columbus State student in business, said she was interested to learn more about the partnership. Watkins, who plans to graduate in the fall, said she might become an Ohio University student.
“Our partnership with Columbus State Community College jointly supports the development of a more highly educated and competitive regional workforce, which is capable of meeting the needs of both new and existing enterprises across the region,” said Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis.
The institutions plan to explore various options in this new strategic partnership, focusing on expanding learning opportunities for students. Already under discussion is a bachelor’s degree completion program in criminal justice, providing students who have earned an associate’s degree in that field to complete a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in a format similar to the applied and technical studies program.
Dr.
Moeller speaks with Delaina Watkins and Jordan Prestel, two
Columbus State business students!
“We are very excited about this opportunity to serve our students and the community in new ways,” said Columbus State President Val Moeller. “This is a new era in our long relationship with Ohio University, and we are committed that we will continue to expand this great partnership for our students.”
She added, “I hope this collaboration will be a model for how community colleges and state universities can work together to benefit students and working adults—and to help Ohio dramatically expand the skills of our workforce and increase the number of Ohioans with associate and bachelor’s degrees.”
Founded in 1963, the Columbus State Community College currently enrolls nearly 23,000 students.
Chartered in 1804, Ohio University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students come from every state in the union and 100 different countries. Presently enrolling more than 29,000 students on the Athens campus and five regional campuses, Ohio University offers 285 undergraduate majors through 10 academic colleges and the Center for International Studies. The university also offers master's degrees in nearly all areas, 20 doctoral degrees, and a doctoral degree in osteopathic medicine.
Dr. Moeller greets Randolph
Nelson, one of the many students who might benefit from
the Ohio
University agreement.
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