UNH Today

Great Bay Community College and the University of New Hampshire at Manchester announced the development of two new transfer pathway programs in communication arts, including options in digital media and advertising and public relations.

Each program offers New Hampshire students clearly defined pathways, enabling a seamless transition from a Great Bay associate degree to a bachelor’s degree at UNH Manchester.

Representatives from both institutions gathered on February 4 at Great Bay’s Portsmouth campus for a short ceremony to celebrate the establishment of the new programs.

“These new pathways with UNH provide Great Bay students with an opportunity to transfer into an established, local and affordable four-year institution that will help them achieve their career goals,” said Dr. Annette Cohen, chair of the Digital Media program at Great Bay. “The new pathway expands on the student’s previous academic work in digital media and exposes them to career paths in media arts, film making, screenwriting, graphic design and media marketing.”

"The new communication arts pathways support the mission of both colleges, which is to foster meaningful outcomes for students."

This new articulation agreement is available to students seeking to take their creative skills to the next level through bachelor’s degree-level classes that prepare them for an in-demand career, she said.

Faculty on both campuses determined the need for each program, adjusting curricula to ensure a smooth transfer process and reduce the cost and time it takes to finish a degree.

“At UNH Manchester they will experience state-of-the-art facilities, take advantage of affordable tuition and the Granite Guarantee, all the while staying in their local area,” Cohen said. “This pathway will provide Great Bay students with the necessary credentials to become successful.”

?Transfer pathways from Great Bay to UNH Manchester?are also available in analytics, computer information systems, biological sciences, biotechnology and business. Mike Decelle, dean of UNH Manchester, said New Hampshire institutions have a shared goal to create more options for students to pursue higher education.

“We are excited to expand academic options that make UNH more accessible and affordable for Great Bay students," said Mike Decelle, dean of UNH Manchester. "The new communication arts pathways support the mission of both colleges, which is to foster meaningful outcomes for students.”

Jeff Klenotic, associate professor and program coordinator for communication arts at UNH Manchester, said the new pathways hold the promise of opportunities in major growth areas in today’s job market.

“Through pathways to bachelor’s degrees in these fields, Great Bay students will have greater academic and professional opportunities in corporate communications, marketing, web design and more," Klenotic said.

Enrollment and transfer advising team

Cohen agreed, saying that digital media is a competitive field with a wealth of career options for students.

“Job candidates with a bachelor’s degree from UNH Manchester will have better opportunities and more options,” Cohen said.?“At Great Bay, students can explore a variety of courses that will introduce them to the field, teach creative problem solving and creative thinking. At UNH Manchester, they will refine their skills while preparing for a rewarding career.”

The transfer pathway programs at UNH Manchester also qualify?for the NH Dual Admissions Program, a collaboration between the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire. It was piloted by Great Bay Community College in 2014 and expanded system-wide in 2015.?Students enrolled in the New Hampshire Dual Admission Program are admitted by both their community college and their four-year college of choice at the same time and have access to special academic advising and student activities at both colleges.

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