A&M-Texarkana and Collin College Sign Partnership Agreement
Collin College and Texas A&M University-Texarkana officials recently signed an agreement formalizing a partnership benefiting students who wish to attain baccalaureate degrees in applied arts and sciences and biotechnology.
The agreement ensures the transfer of general education, elective and technical credits from Collin College into the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) at A&M-Texarkana, which is a degree that offers opportunities to earn credit for what has been learned through work/life experience.
Students majoring in biotechnology at Collin College also will have an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology at A&M-Texarkana, which is pending final approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Officials say the 120-hour BAAS degree offers an expedited path to graduation while equipping adult learners for career and life advancement.
“This partnership with A&M-Texarkana aligns perfectly with our goal to exceed student expectations,” Collin College District President Dr. Neil Matkin said. “Now, Collin College students can graduate earlier and reduce the cost of a baccalaureate degree. This opportunity provides a flexible, affordable pathway and a seamless transfer option to further ensure student success.”
“From the A&M-Texarkana perspective, this collaboration with Collin College enables us to benefit students in our expanded region,” said A&M-Texarkana President Dr. Emily Cutrer. “We welcome our Collin College students and look forward to assisting them in achieving their educational and career goals.”
The BAAS degree welcomes and accepts military coursework, associate degrees and virtually all college credit - no matter the age, which is sometimes not possible with more traditional degree plans.
“The bottom line is we value students’ unique origins of experience and occupational/technical skills, and we have designed a program that will enable them to convert their work-life learning into a bachelor’s degree that will serve those who desire to upgrade their skills and advance in their careers,” said Lisa Myers, BAAS program coordinator at A&M-Texarkana.
“The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology is strongly focused on medical and healthcare aspects,” said Dr. Donald Peterson, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at A&M-Texarkana. “This degree will prepare students for careers in research and development, quality assurance and quality control, production, sales and marketing, administration and technical support.”
“Collin College embraces innovation,” Dr. Brenda Kihl, Collin College executive vice president said. “Many students are looking for options that address years of work experience. This partnership offers our students the opportunity to translate work and life skills into academic credits.”
“The primary goal of these initiatives is to provide a clear pathway to an A&M-Texarkana baccalaureate degree for Collin College students,” said A&M-Texarkana Provost Dr. Rosanne Stripling.
For more information about transferring to a university from Collin College, visit collin.edu/transferu/ (http://www.collin.edu/transferu/) .
For more information about the BAAS degree offered by A&M-Texarkana, contact Lisa Myers at Lisa.Myers@tamut.edu.
For more information about the bachelor’s degree in biotechnology at A&M-Texarkana, contact Vicki Stringer in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Vicki.Stringer@tamut.edu.
