By Morgan State University
Morgan State University and Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) have begun a partnership, called “Transfer Pathway,” that will help transfer students from AACC to Morgan State graduate within four years.
“This partnership is both significant and mutually beneficial—a true win-win for both institutions, our students, and the State of Maryland,” said Morgan State University President David K. Wilson. “It exemplifies our unwavering commitment to expanding higher education degree attainment across the state. By preparing students for the next phase of their academic journey, we are fostering their personal and professional growth while positioning them to meet the demands of an evolving workforce. This initiative directly supports the state’s goals for career readiness in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape.”
With this partnership, students from AACC who have an associate’s degree in arts (A.A.) or sciences (A.S.) will already have fulfilled their general studies requirements for Morgan State, and can stay on course to receive their bachelor’s within a four-year span. Morgan State will accept up to 70 transfer credits, and incoming students from AACC will still have to fulfil the program requirements for their desired major.
“This partnership with Morgan State University creates exciting opportunities for our students to continue their academic journey,” said Anne Arundel Community College President Dawn Lindsay, Ed.D. “It represents our shared commitment to improving access and affordability and a seamless transfer process.”
As a component of the initiative, Morgan will assess the credits granted by AACC for previous learning achievements, including those obtained through testing or military experience. This evaluation will encompass recognized assessments like the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International, and Excelsior College examinations. It will also account for credits earned from military training, internships, externships, cooperative education, and other experiential learning opportunities, all in alignment with Morgan’s official guidelines and procedures.
Students in the Transfer Pathway Partnership shall would also receive:
- Comprehensive academic plan
- Detailed report on the transferability and applicability of prior coursework to Morgan
- Individualized degree plan
- Student advisement of financial aid opportunities
This semester, Morgan State set a new record of student enrollment with 11,500 registered students. Counted among them are 403 transfer students, an increase of 10 percent compared to last year.
“Community colleges play a crucial role in Maryland’s educational system. We often encounter students whose career goals extend beyond a two-year degree. We aim to support these students throughout their journey, ensuring they transition smoothly between degree programs,” said Morgan State senior vice president for enrollment management and student success Kara Turner, Ph.D. “Our goal is to understand each student’s needs, strengths, and challenges, allowing us to offer targeted resources and guidance, further empowering them to navigate their academic journeys to complete their undergraduate degrees.”