A new degree pathway between Holland College, the University of Fredericton, and Husson University in Maine gives graduates of Holland College's Business and Management programs up to three years of credit toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

The agreement enables Holland College graduates to attend Husson classes online or in person, giving them the option to earn a credential from the century-old institution while continuing to live and work on P.E.I.

The programs are delivered online through the New Brunswick-based University of Fredericton, which specializes in the delivery of distance education programs that enable learners to remain in their home communities while acquiring their credentials. Upon completion of their degree at Husson, students also receive a diploma in advanced studies from the University of Fredericton, and may then choose to pursue their master's in Business Administration online.

"This agreement compliments our other articulation agreements, in that it is designed for those Holland College graduates whose career or family circumstances make it challenging for them to attend an on-campus university program on either a full- or part-time basis. The online degree-completion option may be the perfect fit, and will allow learners to realize their educational goals in a very efficient manner," said Michael O'Grady, the vice president responsible for articulation agreements at Holland College.

The agreement gives eligible Holland College graduates up to 90 credits (the equivalent of three academic years) toward their degree, significantly reducing the amount of time required to complete their bachelor's studies. Online students receive that same high quality education obtained by students on campus, including the ability to interact with peers and professors on a daily basis to ask questions, participate in discussions, and to work collaboratively on study material.

"We are excited about this new collaborative partnership with Holland College, as one of our responsibilities as educators is to do everything we can to help prepare students for successful careers. This endeavour creates a tremendous opportunity for students who have earned a Holland College diploma to continue their education to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Husson University. Husson University has had a very successful, long standing, relationship with the University of Fredericton in providing diploma to degree opportunity for students of Canadian Public Community Colleges," said Husson President Robert A. Clark.

Founded in 1898, Husson today offers numerous undergraduate degrees and many innovative advanced degree programs, as well a diverse selection of core science and humanities courses. Approximately 2,800 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students enrol at Husson annually, coming from all over the state of Maine, the United States, Canada, and the world.

The agreement has received formal approval by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the same accrediting body that approves programs in post-secondary institutions such as Yale, Harvard, and MIT.

"Holland College Business and Management program curriculum were deemed to be the equivalent of three academic years of Husson's four-year program," said Michael O'Grady. "This speaks to the quality of our programs, and gives our graduates a very cost-effective, practical way to pursue their studies."

In this picture:(L-R) Michael O'Grady, vice president responsible for articulation agreements at Holland College, Husson University President Robert Clark, and Robert Williston, Vice President at the University of Fredericton, sign the memorandum of understanding that gives graduates of Holland College's Business and Management programs up to three years of credit toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at Husson University. Students may complete their degree online or on site at the university's campus in Bangor, Maine.