by Lisa Proulx
Latest program offers direct pathway from A.S. to B.S. in Analytics
PORTSMOUTH, NH – Will Arvelo, president of Great Bay Community College, and Mike Decelle, dean of the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, commemorated the development of several transfer pathway programs, including a recent addition in Analytics. Each transfer program offers New Hampshire students clearly defined pathways enabling a seamless transition from their associate degree from Great Bay CC to a bachelor’s degree at UNH Manchester. Representatives from the two institutions gathered at Great Bay on Wednesday, November 30 for a short ceremony
“Each transfer pathway is the result of thoughtful planning and strong collaboration,” Arvelo said. “This partnership will help us play a key role in our efforts to help students earn a four-year degree.”
Faculty on both campuses worked to determine the need for each program, adjusting curriculum where needed to ensure a smooth transfer process and to reduce the cost and time to degree completion. Transfer pathways from Great Bay have been developed for UNH Manchester’s bachelor degree programs in Analytics, Computer Information System, Politics & Society, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology and Business. Additional transfer pathway programs are under consideration for Neuropsychology, Communication Arts, English Teaching and Education.
“Our obligation as a public institution and the state’s flagship university is to provide our graduates with a high-quality education that enables them to pursue a rewarding career, preferably one right here in New Hampshire,” Decelle said. “Partnerships with our community colleges are critical and I am pleased we can offer transfer students this seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree.”
In January, students can apply and register for Great Bay CC’s new two-year Associate in Science in Analytics program. As the newest transfer pathway program with UNH Manchester, it offers a clear transfer pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Analytics.
According to Mary Rudis, department chair of Great Bay CC’s Mathematics, Engineering and Data Science Programs, the associate degree emulates the first two years of four-year degrees in data analytics.
“While the program appeals to students who specialize in another field and want to learn data science as a supplemental skill, it also targets those who are interested in a four-year degree,” Rudis said. “We are excited to collaborate with UNH
Manchester to provide students further access to one of the top growth fields in the information economy.”
The transfer pathway programs, known as the Public Pathways Program from UNH Manchester, also qualifies for the NH Dual Admission Program, a collaboration between the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire that was piloted by GBCC in July 2014 and launched system-wide in July 2015. Students enrolled in the New Hampshire Dual Admission Program are admitted to both their community college and four-year college of choice at the same time, receive special academic advising and enjoy activities at two colleges that may include academic, athletic, cultural and social events. Students who are interested in programs that are not listed as part of the Public Pathways program should still consider the NH Dual Admission program as a viable option. Students can major in a wide array of programs at one of the Community Colleges and then transfer to one of the University System schools. For more information, please visit www.dualnh.com.
