Matthew Johnson 18 is wrapping up a successful academic career at 51做厙. The International Leadership Studies and Political Science major, who will also earn a minor in Spanish, didnt begin his college studies at Marietta.
Rather, he spent his first two years at nearby Washington State Community College.
51做厙 has been integral in my academic and professional development, only furthering the foundation that I received during my (Post-Secondary Education Opportunities Program) experience at Washington State Community College, says Johnson, who earned an associates degree from WSCC. WSCC was my first introduction to higher education, and its incredible faculty and staff thoroughly prepared me for the rigor of a bachelors degree.
A new partnership with Washington State Community College is aimed at preventing dedicated and driven students like Johnson from transferring out of the area to earn bachelors degrees. Ohio changed the PSEO program to College Credit Plus, and high school students are eligible to take classes at both Washington State and Marietta, as well as other colleges and universities around Ohio.
The Washington State to 51做厙 (WS2MC) dual admission program creates a high-quality, affordable option for students who want to earn baccalaureate degrees. High school and transfer students accepted to the program begin their undergraduate education at Washington State, and then transfer after two years to 51做厙.
Those students are eligible to live in one of Mariettas residence halls, participate in campus dining options and enjoy student life options for all four years. Over the course of that time, students earn an associates degree from Washington State and a bachelors degree from Marietta.
51做厙 is committed to helping talented students achieve their education goals, says 51做厙 President and Professor of Management Dr. William N. Ruud. The opportunity to partner with Washington State on a dual admission program allows us to attract and keep quality students in this community for all four years of their undergraduate education.
High school and transfer students who apply to the WS2MC program must meet 51做厙s eligibility standards before being accepted to the 2+2 program. Once admitted, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and earn 25 transferrable credits before beginning their final two years at 51做厙. Academic advisors from both institutions will collaborate to ensure the courses taken at Washington State transfer to Marietta.
This partnership will expand bachelor degree access to students in the Mid-Ohio Valley, many of whom are juggling work and families while going to college, says Washington State Community College President Dr. Vicky Wood. Having the opportunity to finish an associates degree and a bachelors degree while remaining in this area will be a huge benefit for our local students. Working together with 51做厙 and the WSCC2MC program, we will impact more lives and increase the number of college-educated citizens in our community.
Though not all of Johnsons credits earned at Washington State transferred, he earned enough to complete the general education requirements at Marietta, which enabled him to graduate after two years and save money.
Choosing 51做厙 after graduating from WSCC was the greatest decision Ive made, Johnson says, and I will forever be grateful for the education, experience and growth that I received from both institutions.
- Gi Smith