VSU, Atlanta Technical College Form Pathways Program Partnership

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VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with Atlanta Technical College on Tuesday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education.  

The Pathways Program agreement will allow Atlanta Technical College students with an Associate of Applied Science in one or more of the articulated programs (see below) to maximize the transfer of credits in order to complete either a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership, a Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance, or a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology in two years or less at Valdosta State University, noted Dr. Joseph G. Weaver, director of Off-Campus Programs at VSU.

“This agreement provides Atlanta Technical College students with one more option to further expand their education and enter Georgia's workforce with the knowledge and the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills needed to be successful,” shared Dr. Kelli Brown, interim president of VSU. “We look forward to welcoming these students into our Blazer Nation family for many years to come.” 

Valdosta State University is a premier comprehensive university characterized by outstanding instruction, a wide range of student life opportunities, and a close connection to the community. Established in 1906, the institution's mission is to prepare students to meet global opportunities and challenges through excellence in teaching and learning; to expand the boundaries of current knowledge and explore the practical applications of that knowledge through excellence in scholarship and creative endeavors; and to promote the economic, cultural, and educational progress of the community and region through excellence in service outreach. It seeks to accomplish this mission in a dynamic, student-centered learning environment marked by a respect for diverse abilities, backgrounds, and contributions by all members of the university community.

Established in 1967, Atlanta Technical College is committed to educating and nurturing a productive and competitive workforce with the skills, values, and ethics necessary to attract new and strengthen existing business and industry — allowing Georgia’s capital city to remain the commercial hub of the Southeast. Its dedicated faculty and staff value service, academic excellence, respect and integrity, empowerment and accountability, creativity, diversity, and community as they seek to provide an exceptional and affordable learning experience to a diverse group of students pursuing associate degrees, diplomas, technical certificates of credit, customized business and industry training, continuing education, and other services. It was named College of the Year in 2012 by the Technical College System of Georgia and America’s Best Community College in 2011 by Washington Monthly magazine.  

 “We are delighted to partner with Valdosta State University so that Atlanta Technical College graduates will have yet another educational option,” said Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas, president of Atlanta Technical College. “This articulation agreement will make for a seamless transition for our students, and that is what Atlanta Tech is all about — student success.”

The Pathways Program centers on the priorities of Complete College Georgia, an initiative developed to increase the number of Georgians earning a college degree. It is a collaboration between Valdosta State University and partner institutions like Athens Technical College to allow students with approved Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Applied Technology degrees to maximize the transfer of credits in order to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years or less. Pathways students can expect 51 or more transferable credit hours to be applied to either of the three articulated programs — Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership, Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance, or Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology — all of which are offered completely online. 

It is projected that over 60 percent of jobs in Georgia will require a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree by 2020. Presently, approximately 42 percent of the state’s young adults, its developing workforce, are prepared to such a level, which means that Georgia must not only maintain current graduation levels but also produce an additional estimated 250,000 graduates in upcoming years to remain competitive.

With the addition of Atlanta Technical College, VSU has now signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 19 Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education. The others are Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, Southern Regional Technical College, Albany Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Lanier Technical College, North Georgia Technical College, Coastal Pines Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College, Southern Crescent Technical College, Southeastern Technical College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, West Georgia Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, and Athens Technical College.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/welcome.php

http://www.atlantatech.edu/

Articulated Programs

• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting; bioscience technology; business administration technology; business management; computer information systems-computer programming; computer information systems-database specialist; computer information systems-networking specialist; criminal justice; culinary arts; dental hygiene; design and media production; early childhood care and education; fire science technology; health information management technology; hotel, restaurant, and tourism management; industrial engineering technology; industrial systems technology; marketing management; nursing; paralegal studies; paramedicine; pharmacy technology; physical therapy assistant; procurement; radiologic technology; supply chain management; and surgical technology are the articulated programs for Atlanta Technical College students who wish to pursue either a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership or a Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance at Valdosta State University.

• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, business administration technology, business management, health information management technology, and marketing management are the articulated programs for Atlanta Technical College students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology at Valdosta State University.