Charlottetown, PE - Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island have signed an agreement that will enable graduates of The Culinary Institute of Canada's Culinary Arts program to continue their studies at UPEI in a post-diploma degree program of Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality (BBTH). The BBTH degree option already exists for other Holland College tourism and hospitality programs, and having students from the culinary institute is a natural fit.

Michael O'Grady, vice president responsible for articulation agreements at Holland College, said this latest agreement is particularly well-timed. Tourism PEI has designated 2010 as "the year of culinary", and a culinary alliance has been established to facilitate the development of innovative and sustainable food industry partnerships, culinary experiences, and promotional programs.

"Students from all over the world study at The Culinary Institute of Canada, so we are particularly pleased to be able to offer our Culinary Arts students another opportunity to further their studies on the Island," he noted.

Chef Austin Clement, Program Manager for Culinary and Hospitality programs at The Culinary Institute of Canada, sees the agreement as a good pathway for chefs looking to further their education.

"This degree provides our culinary graduates with another opportunity to further their skills and gain insight into the business side of the industry. The combination of the applied training our students receive at The Culinary Institute of Canada and the business skills they will acquire from UPEI will provide them with a competitive edge in the marketplace," he said.

"As Dean of the UPEI School of Business, I am pleased to continue to develop our already numerous agreements and partnerships with Holland College," said Dr. Roberta MacDonald. "This agreement is a good example of how we are able to offer students opportunities to continue their education in different ways between our two institutions. This opportunity will add value to these students as well as to the Island community."

The BBTH degree is available to students who have recently completed their Holland College diploma and wish to continue in business education by completing 20 designated courses at UPEI. Applicants must meet the approved University requirements as given in the UPEI calendar and on its website.

Holland College and UPEI offer numerous articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions across North America and around the world, providing graduates with educational opportunities to enhance their credentials and deepen their knowledge of their chosen field.