Beginning in August 2016, Glendale Community College (GCC) in Arizona will offer a new, highly innovative pathway for students to earn Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees in Cell and Molecular Biology due to a partnership with Western New Mexico University.
The program, designed to provide new opportunities for community college students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers/professions, seeks to increase the number of bachelor degree graduates in the STEM field. It will offer an affordable, high quality concurrent-enrollment partnership, helping students to make a smooth transition into Western New Mexico University by offering WNMU courses on the GCC campus.
The partnership will build on Glendale’s highly acclaimed Biotechnology program, providing excellent opportunities for students to expand independent research projects. In addition to the bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, it will also offer participants the opportunity to earn an associate degree in Biotechnology.
“This partnership provides our students with greater access to achieving a bachelor’s degree in the biosciences field and increased career-development opportunities,” said Scott Schultz, dean of Academic Affairs, Career & Technical Education for GCC.
“We are excited to offer Glendale Community College students affordable access to a high-caliber bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Jose Herrera, associate vice president and College of Arts and Sciences dean for Western New Mexico University. “This partnership will offer great opportunities for students at both of our institutions.”
Program Highlights
- Robust curriculum builds on foundation in biotechnology with 35 credits of upper-division science coursework which is designed to prepare students for the workforce or for graduate school
- As many as 80 MCCCD credits may be accepted in transfer
- Affordable tuition; overall out-of-pocket expenses are expected to be significantly lower than other programs without direct pathways, making the program attractive to students wishing to minimize debt
The deadline to apply for the fall 2016 cohort is March 1. Application to the program is expected to be competitive. Though students in any of the Maricopa County Community Colleges are eligible to apply, preference will be given to students enrolled in the GCC Biotechnology program.
For more information, visit http://wnmu.edu/gcc.