February 12, 2015
Mesalands Community College recently signed an articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to facilitate the transfer of Mesalands graduates to SNHU-College of Online and Continuing Education (COCE). This agreement allows for the transfer of up to 90 credits from Mesalands towards a bachelor’s degree program in communication, psychology, business management, general studies, or technical management at SNHU. Mesalands graduates, employees and their immediate family also will receive a tuition reduction at SNHU.
SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as several other accrediting bodies. With more than 200 certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs offered, SNHU has one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation at $320 per credit hour. Current enrollment at SNHU is 50,000 students and online classes have an average of 20 students per class.
“This articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University is a great opportunity for our graduates and employees, as well as for our community,” said Dr. Thomas W. Newsom, President of Mesalands Community College. “There are basically three priorities that I consider when developing articulation agreements with other institutions: transferability, affordability, and accessibility. I want our students to be able to take these courses online. Southern New Hampshire University met all of these requirements and much more.”
Following the completion of any Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degree at Mesalands, students may transfer all of their credits towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies at Southern New Hampshire University. Military students enrolling at SNHU may also transfer up to 90 credit hours towards a bachelor’s degree with unlimited College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Defense Activity for Non Traditional Education Support (DANTES), and Excelsior credits, provided the student meets residency requirements.
“We are always eager to work with community colleges that are looking to partner with other universities to help students find ways to complete their education and achieve their goals,” said Debbie Lloyd, Assistant Director of Academic Alliances at Southern New Hampshire University- College of Online and Continuing Education. “This also gives us the opportunity to share our resources and further our commitment to students.”
In particular, SNHU has developed a pathway for students graduating from Mesalands with a technical degree who aspire to management roles in their fields. Specifically, this degree will benefit students graduating from Mesalands with an associate in Wind Energy Technology, along with other associate in technology degrees. SNHU will accept a minimum of 60 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management.
“This new articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University provides a pathway for our students to earn a bachelor’s degree and beyond,” Dr. Newsom said. “It is our desire that we can continue to offer more degree opportunities like these for our students.”
