Cybersecurity, virtualization and networking students at Alexandria Technical and Community College can now seamlessly continue their education towards a bachelor’s degree at five universities in the Midwest.
The college signed articulation agreements with Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota and Metropolitan State University in St. Paul in August. Previous agreements also exist with the College of St. Scholastica, Bemidji State University, and Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
“The arrangements we have now made will allow students more flexibility as they advance their cyber knowledge and skills to undergraduate levels and beyond,” said Steve Richards, dean of business and information technology at Alexandria College.
The agreements simplify the transfer process that students follow and specify exactly which credits and courses are accepted and which requirements must be met. This allows students to start in Alexandria and continue their education at partner universities with the peace of mind that their credits will be transferred, according to Richards.
Students moving to Dakota State University after graduation can expect all 60 of their Associate of Applied Science credits from Alexandria College to switch to DSU’s Networking and Security Administration undergraduate degree.
Similarly, Metropolitan State accepts 55 credits for a bachelor’s degree in its cybersecurity program.
Students continuing at St. Scholastica can study computer information systems with a special focus. Students at the BSU and MSUM can complete bachelor’s degrees in operations management or applied management.
“As we continue to develop educational partnerships in Minnesota and the region, we expand the opportunities for students to achieve their career and academic goals,” said Michael Seymour, president of Alexandria College. “For some students, the goal is to enter the world of work after graduating from Alexandria College. For others, the degree is a checkpoint on the way to the next academic goal. ”
In addition to articulation agreements, several programs at Alexandria College have established transfer routes with other Minnesota state colleges and universities.