USM and River Parishes Community College Sign Applied Technology Pathway Agreement
Fri,
04/30/2021 - 15:49pm | By: Theresa Stewart
The University of Southern Mississippi and River Parishes Community College have entered
into an agreement for an Applied Technology BAS degree. This agreement establishes
a transferable pathway for RPCC students to become eligible for direct admission into
USM. USM and RPCC officials took part in the signing ceremony on April 26 at RPCC’s
Gonzales Campus in Gonzales, Louisiana. Through the pathway, students will be provided
with a systematic outline for successfully completing an Applied Technology Bachelor
of Applied Science degree from USM and an associate degree and/or certificate of completion
from RPCC. The institutions will partner to facilitate student access through a seamless
blend of curricula.
"The University of Southern Mississippi's Pathway to Applied Technology Agreement
with River Parishes Community College provides a clear route for a student to move
from an Associates of Applied Science degree to a baccalaureate degree. This partnership
is specifically designed to provide technicians opportunities for career advancement
in supervisory and managerial positions. We are excited to deepen our relationship
with River Parishes Community College. Supporting students through this new pathway
agreement will only strengthen our industrial marketplace in our communities,” said
USM Vice Provost for Gulf Park, Dr. Casey Malone Maugh Funderburk.
The Director of the School of interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development
at USM Gulf Park, Dr. Heather Annulis, stated, “USM’s Applied Technology Bachelor
of Applied Science program builds on students’ technical and academic foundations
from RPCC. The APT BAS prepares students with the technical leadership competencies
necessary for the ever-changing high growth, high demand workforce. This partnership
with RPCC demonstrates our collaborative efforts in responding to workforce needs
and the development of human capital necessary for competitive advantage for students
and organizations alike.”
The Pathway to Applied Technology Agreement between USM and RPCC helps to ensure both
institutions are proactive in addressing challenges in the economy and resulting changes
in the higher education landscape.
“River Parishes Community College is excited to partner with The University of Southern
Mississippi for a pathway agreement for the Applied Technology BAS degree. Offering
RPCC graduates flexible opportunities by providing them advancement and promotion
based on bachelor’s degree attainment, is vital for their career advancement” said
RPCC Interim Chancellor, Jim Carlson. “This partnership opens the door for future
educational and career growth that currently does not exist.”
RPCC students who successfully transfer to USM will earn a bachelor’s degree in Applied
Technology after successfully completing the additional required coursework at USM
and meeting all USM Applied Technology degree requirements. Students can transfer
up to 60 credit hours from RPCC to USM to be applied toward the 120 credit hours needed
to complete a bachelor's degree in Applied Technology. In order to graduate from USM,
students must achieve all graduation requirements outlined in the USM Undergraduate
Bulletin in effect at the time they enter.
For more information about the Applied Technology Pathway at The University of Southern
Mississippi, visit https://www.usm.edu/undergraduate-programs/applied-technology.php
About River Parishes Community College
River Parishes Community College (RPCC) is a public two-year college established in
1997 to serve the educational needs of the citizens of the River Parishes. Located
in Reserve, Boutte, Plaquemine, and Gonzales, La, RPCC partners with the communities
it serves by providing programs for personal, professional, and academic growth. Committed
to providing access, responsiveness, excellence and quality services, RPCC is an open-admissions
institution. For more information, visit rpcc.edu.
Gloss