USM and River Parishes Community College Sign Applied Technology Pathway Agreement
Fri, 04/30/2021 - 03:49pm | 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.