University of Phoenix has signed an articulation agreement with Salt Lake Community College, facilitating transfer of credit for SLCC students who want to continue work toward a bachelor's degree — or beyond.
Through the educational partnership, SLCC graduates can transfer credits earned in the study areas recognized in the agreement. Dozens of technical fields, including applied technology courses such as welding, drafting and dental assistance, are included. Credits can apply toward degrees at any of five UOP campuses in Utah or 110 locations across the United States and overseas or can even be used to qualify for online courses.
UOP, a proprietary school that offers bachelor's and master's degrees in a number of disciplines, is structured specifically for adult students who are combining work and education, with evening classes and small student-instructor ratios.
The agreement between a public institution of higher education and the private school is "a partnership that gives everyone more educational options," said Darris Howe, Utah campus director. "Our mission is to give busy working adults the flexibility they need to further their education."
"It serves a niche for some of our adult working students," said Marjorie Carson, SLCC vice president of academic services. "It appeals to them and offers lots of flexibility. We welcome this partnership with the University of Phoenix."
The agreement offers SLCC students a "seamless transition into any one of the undergraduate degree programs" offered at the private school, said Daniel Bingham, executive dean of the SLCC Miller Campus.
SLCC students can transfer a total of 72 credits that led to an associate degree into the bachelor of science in management degree at UOP and 60 to 69 credits to other undergraduate programs, including business administration, accounting, marketing, human service, information technology, criminal justice and nursing.
Officials of the two schools worked for four years to arrive at the terms of the agreement. UOP representatives are on the SLCC campus every week to discuss possibilities with students.
Howe said that an agreement by the National Association of Community Colleges, with input from UOP officials, helped set the stage for more cooperation among private and public schools to reduce costs and duplication in courses students must take to reach their educational objectives.
UOP is negotiating with other schools in the area toward similar agreements and is "always open to dialogue," he said.
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