The partnership between St. Clair College and Wayne State University was strengthened Wednesday when leaders of those two institutions signed five articulation agreements allowing students to pursue a degree after receiving their diploma.
St. Clair College President Patti France and Wayne State University President Dr. M. Roy Wilson attended the signing ceremony at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts in downtown Windsor for what was described by Wilson as a "groundbreaking" agreement.
"Education is all about pathways and continuous lifelong learning," France added. "So you can get your diploma right away, go to Wayne State continue on for a year and a half to two years, and get your degree, or get your diploma, work for a while, then go back and get your degree. It's all about lifelong learning."
France said she was grateful to Wayne State for allowing St. Clair students to pay in-state tuition, plus 10 percent. "They could have been treated as international students. So it's truly admirable."
Over the last year, Wayne State University's Office of Educational Outreach and International Programs has been in discussions with St. Clair College to develop articulation agreements that provide a seamless path for students transferring from St. Clair to WSU. The focus of these discussions has centered on academic programs that aligned well or are in high-demand by students.
The first five agreements developed are:
- Accounting (with MBA track)
- Business administration (with MBA track)
- Computer technology (with MSET track)
- Interior design
- Marketing (with MBA track)
"Everything we are doing through these agreements is designed to make it possible for St. Clair students to complete a four-year degree at a research-intensive institution," Wilson said. "By transferring to Wayne State University, St. Clair students can get international experience close to home and build a resume that will make them attractive to employers on both sides of the river."
St. Clair College graduates with a two-year Business Diploma can attend Wayne State University for another two years for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Accounting, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, Management or Marketing. A Masters in Business Administration will be available upon completion of an additional one year, or 36 credit hours.
A two-year Business Marketing Diploma at St. Clair College can be transferred to Wayne State for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing, with an additional two years of studies. The MBA is also available with this degree.
The two-year Business Accounting Diploma from St. Clair College can be used toward a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting, with an additional two years of studies. The MBA graduate degree is also available in this stream.
St. Clair College's two-year Computer Systems Technician Diploma and its three-year Computer Systems Technology – Networking Advanced Diploma will articulate to Wayne State's Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology, with an additional two years of studies. A Masters of Science in Engineering Technology is also available.
St. Clair College's Interior Design Advanced Diploma, a three-year program, is articulating to Wayne State's Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts, with an additional one year of studies.
St. Clair College students will receive Wayne State's Great Lakes Tuition Award, a special tuition rate for Ontario residents. Through the Great Lakes Award, St. Clair students will pay only 10 percent more than Michigan residents, and about 50 percent less than other international students.
The articulation agreements are based on St. Clair's two-year College Diploma and three-year Advanced College Diploma. Each agreement allows students to maximize their transfer credit and provides a clear path toward their four-year degree. In addition, the business and computer technology agreements provide a pathway toward a graduate program.
