Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with West Georgia Technical College on Thursday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education.  
 
The Pathways Program agreement will allow West Georgia Technical College students with an Associate of Applied Science in the articulated programs 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.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to offer three clear, seamless paths for West Georgia Technical College graduates who wish to further their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree at Valdosta State University,” said Dr. Cecil P. Staton, president of VSU. “Higher education has never been more important in Georgia and across the United States. We are seeing a growing demand for citizens who are capable of more sophisticated, critical thinking and who possess problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Our faculty and staff are in the business of nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, communicators, leaders, and more, and we look forward to welcoming our West Georgia friends into our Blazer Nation family for many years to come.”
 
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 West Georgia 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.
 
VSU has now signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 15 Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education, including Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in Valdosta, Southern Regional Technical College in Thomasville, and Albany Technical College in Albany.
 
Articulated Programs
 
• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, business administrative technology, business management, criminal justice technology, early childhood care and education, logistics and supply chain management, and marketing management are the articulated programs for West Georgia 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 administrative technology, business management, and marketing management are the articulated programs for West Georgia Technical College students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology at Valdosta State University.