Robert Morris Univeristy

COMPLETE YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE AT ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

“One of the best ways to save on a college education is to use a community college as a starting point,” said RMU President Michael Viollt, in his book 100 Ways to Cut the High Cost of Attending College. “Many students begin their education at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution after one or two years of study.”

As more students of all ages are turning to their community colleges to start their careers in higher education, many find they have only taken the first step when they complete their associate degrees. Robert Morris University has a history of partnerships with community colleges throughout Illinois. The University’s goal is to make the transfer process as seamless as possible for students interested in completing a bachelor’s degree, maintaining that credits earned toward an associate degree will transfer into Robert Morris baccalaureate programs.

“We established our Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) Program with particular emphasis on the community college student with an associate degree,” explained RMU Provost Mablene Krueger. “The BPS junior and senior years were developed as a “cap” program to specific associate degrees, which allows for maximum transfer of credit.” The degree provides the answer to the needs of community college graduates with improved affordability and an accelerated time to completion, while reducing student frustration through improved course alignment.

In the BPS program, RMU currently offers concentrations in Architectural Technology, Advanced Culinary Arts, Law Office Administration and Applied Health Sciences. The latest offering, which began in early December, is in Web Development. The educational objectives of this degree program are very specific. “RMU expects that students will also develop competencies in general business and financial management, enabling them to understand the business end of these concentrations,” Ms. Krueger added.

Transfer students can also pursue their bachelor degrees in Business Administration, Art and Graphic Design and Computer Studies. Additionally, students interested in completing a master’s degree may want to consider RMU’s dual degree program, allowing them to work simultaneously toward a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration.

Starting at local community college is an excellent way to save on the expenses of higher education, especially room and board. Tuition rates at community colleges are lower because the institutions are subsidized by local taxes. Additionally, RMU offers scholarships for transfer students and Phi Theta Kappa honorees. The financial aid office has additional information available.

“Articulation agreements with community colleges ensure that associate degree credits apply toward RMU’s BPS degree,” continued Provost Krueger. “The degree gives community college graduates, as well as RMU's associate degree graduates, an opportunity to maximize their prior college credit as well as work and life experience. Oftentimes students don’t have a solid plan for their first two years. Counselors at RMU can advise students on their transfer strategy, ensuring that they graduate on time.”

www.robertmorris.edu | enroll@robertmorris.edu | 1-800-762-5960

TRANSFER TIMES . . . making student transferring to colleges and universities easy