Community college degree holders in Anne Arundel County have gained another path to receiving a four-year degree. Morgan State University, the largest historically Black college and/or university (HBCU) in Maryland, and Anne Arundel Community College, Maryland’s third-largest community college, announced the launch of the Transfer Pathway partnership, a new agreement designed to increase the number of community college graduates completing four-year degrees. Through this partnership, Morgan State and AACC will simplify the transfer process, enhance career readiness and improve the state's overall educational performance in higher education degree attainment.
“This partnership is both significant and mutually beneficial – a true win-win for both institutions, our students and the state of Maryland,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “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.”
Under the new agreement, students graduating from AACC with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree will have met Morgan’s general education requirements for admission in the bachelor’s degree programs. Morgan will accept a maximum of 70 transfer credits from AACC, and students must meet the specific program requirements of the degree programs they select at Morgan.
Specifically, students in AACC’s architecture and interior design programs can transfer into Morgan State’s bachelor's programs in architecture and environmental design or interior design. Business administration students can continue their studies in management and business administration at Morgan State. Those pursuing construction management at AACC can transfer directly into Morgan State’s bachelor's degree program in construction management.
“This partnership with Morgan State University creates exciting opportunities for our students to continue their academic journey,” said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, president of Anne Arundel Community College. “It represents our shared commitment to improving access and affordability and a seamless transfer process.”
As part of the program, Morgan will evaluate credits awarded by AACC for prior learning experiences, including those earned through examinations or military service. This review will cover standardized assessments such as the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International and Excelsior College exams. It will also include credits gained through military service, internships, externships, cooperative work experiences and other forms of experiential learning, in accordance with Morgan’s established policies and procedures.
“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 Kara Turner, Ph.D., senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success at Morgan State University. “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.”
Students participating in the Transfer Pathway Partnership will also benefit from receiving the following: