ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯'s College of Professional Studies Expands Opportunities and Scholarships Available to Community College Graduates
ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯ University's College of Professional Studies (CPS) announced new transfer student partnership agreements with community colleges in the Philadelphia region, as well as newly available majors. These agreements provide an attractive next step to those graduating with an associate's degree who want to continue their education and earn a degree from ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯ University.
βWe are delighted to open new pathways for adult students into ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯βs College of Professional Studies," said Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. "During my time as the Dean of CPS, I have consistently been impressed by the preparedness and excellence of students who come to us from community colleges. These students truly seek to not only share and participate in the ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯ community, but to give back to ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯ by bringing their unique backgrounds and perspectives to the classroom. The learning experience is richer for all thanks to so many of our community college transfer students."
With these expanded agreements in place, community college students who have earned their associate's degree from a partner institution can now access a ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯ education, with guaranteed admission and a merit-based scholarship for those entering with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. To meet the needs of community college students, there is now a wider selection of majors available via the College of Professional Studies, including a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS), Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees offered by CPS. Those degree programs include a wide variety of majors, including BA in English, History, Sociology, Leadership, Public Service & Administration, and Sociology, as well as BS in Computer Science, Math, and Statistics, in partnership for select programs with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
"The expansion of community college agreements allows CPS to reach a much wider group of students, with a wider variety of goals for their education and careers," said Eileen Callahan, EdD, Manager of College Outreach for CPS.
ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯ CPS now has transfer student agreements with Bucks Country Community College, Delaware County Community College, Harcum College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Montgomery County Community College, and Reading Area Community College.
CPS offers students at these schools an accessible and affordable opportunity to pursue a high-level, flexible education. Students having earned GPA of 3.0 to 3.49 are eligible for a 20% merit tuition reduction, with those earning a GPA of 3.50 to 4.0 eligible for a 25% merit tuition reduction.
While pursuing an associate's degree at a partner institution, students also have the opportunity to meet with a ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯ CPS program representative on a regular basis for advising and assistance with transferring.
"A key component of our continued efforts to welcome community college students is the holistic advising experience that begins with their very first contact with ΈΜιΩΦ±²₯," said Susan Leighton, MBA, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs for CPS. "From the moment a community college student expresses interest in continuing their studies at CPS. our advising team offers an unparalleled level of support and guidance."
Complete details about the transfer and community college opportunities available from CPS can be found online or by contacting an admissions representative (cps.info@villanova.edu).