MESA, Arizona – Oct. 12, 2017 – Mesa Community College and Grand Canyon University partner to offer pathways to high-demand science and technology bachelor’s degrees on MCC campuses.
Individuals who have earned or are pursuing an associate’s degree at MCC, or any of the Maricopa Community Colleges, may seamlessly transfer credits to GCU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of five STEM-related areas (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
GCU will offer Computer Programing and Information Technology at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus. Mathematics for Secondary Education, Biology with Pre-Med Emphasis and Biology for Secondary Education will be offered at MCC’s Red Mountain Campus.
“The demand for a STEM-educated workforce continues to grow locally and nationally. Medicine, technology and education are high-demand careers in need of qualified professionals,” said MCC Interim President, Sasan Poureetezadi. “This partnership aims to help close the employment gap, while increasing access for underserved populations, by offering a quality, affordable option to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.”
The MCC Pathway to STEM allows students to transfer up to 84 MCC/MCCCD credits, an additional 24 credits above the requirement for a typical associate’s degree, toward a GCU Bachelor of Science. Courses will be taught by GCU faculty on MCC campuses, allowing students to continue their university studies and complete their bachelor’s degree at an MCC campus.
“GCU places a heavy emphasis on academic programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and this partnership with MCC further expands that important initiative,” said Hank Radda, provost for GCU. “In today’s technological age, STEM education is becoming vital to developing the critical thinking skills that lead to innovation of new products and processes to address the challenges of our globalized economy.”
GCU representatives are on MCC campuses daily to help students plan their university transition.
High school students, including current MCC Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment students, interested in accelerating attainment of a Bachelor of Science from GCU should talk with an MCC academic advisor prior to graduation.
An MCC-GCU Pathway to STEM Information Session will held Friday, Nov. 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Community Room (M200) at the MCC Red Mountain Campus (7110 East McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ 85207).
Additional information is also available by calling an MCC Enrollment Specialist at 480-654-7813, a GCU Transfer Counselor at 855-428-9073, or by submitting a request online at gcu.edu/MCCSTEM.
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Media Contacts:
Dawn Zimmer, MCC Media Relations Coordinator, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimer@mesacc.edu
Bob Romantic, GCU Executive Director of Communications, 602-639-7611, bob.romantic@gcu.edu
Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona’s premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than 220 academic programs, emphases and certificates for both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals. The University’s curriculum emphasizes interaction with classmates, both in-person and online, and individual attention from instructors while fusing academic rigor with Christian values to help students find their purpose and become skilled, caring professionals. For more information, visit gcu.edu.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.