Albany Technical College signed two Pathways Program agreements with Valdosta State University on Tuesday, in the Executive Board Room, Albany Tech Logistics Education Center Building.

Through the Pathways Program agreements, students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in 22 selected programs from Albany Tech can begin working on a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree with a major in Technical Studies from Valdosta State University. In addition, students graduating from Associate of Applied Science (AAS) from Albany Tech can begin work toward a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Valdosta State University in Organizational Leadership.

"This program creates a pathway for students to earn a bachelor's degree once they successfully complete an associate's degree at Albany Technical College," said Andy Clark, associate vice president for enrollment management at Valdosta State University. "Both BAS and BS programs are fully online and designed for working adults. This will help the students advance in their professional career."

Albany Tech AAS programs included under both agreements are: Accounting, Business Administrative Technology, Business Management, Internet Specialist-Website Design, Marketing Management, Design and Media Production Technology, Drafting Technology, Business Logistics Management, Operations Management, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Paramedicine Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Telecommunications Technology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Care and Education, Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management, Law Enforcement Technology and Fire Science Technology.

“The agreement with VSU will provide an excellent opportunity for our graduates to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree and will be a tremendous impact on the entire economy of Southwest Georgia,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College.

The Pathways Program centers on the priorities of Complete College Georgia (CCG), an initiative developed to increase the number of Georgians earning a college degree. In 2012, institutions in both the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) submitted plans to achieve the ambitious goal of adding more than 250,000 postsecondary graduates to Georgia’s workforce by 2020.

"The Pathways Program is aligned with the goals of Complete College American and Governor Deal's Complete College Georgia Initiative," said Clark. "Valdosta State University looks forward to a long successful partnership with Albany Technical College."

“We look forward to the contributions that each student will make to their community and families and are very appreciative of the confidence that Valdosta State University has shown in our students, faculty, and curriculum. I’m confident the agreement will be beneficial to both institutions,” said Parker.