Brandman University and Cuesta College Partner to Give Students a Clear Path to Four-Year Degree

Oct. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Brandman University, a regionally accredited university within the Chapman University System, today announced the signing of an Early Advantage Program (EAP) partnership agreement with Cuesta College.

By enrolling in Brandman’s Early Advantage Program, Cuesta College students will have early admission to Brandman University while continuing to take transferable coursework in the process of completing their associate degree at Cuesta College. Participants in the program will have access to enhanced cooperative academic and student services including the university’s advising services, information sessions, technology support, and education plans. It will also allow students to lock in their academic catalog year, giving them the ability to transfer all completed course work contained in the agreement. Brandman University will waive all application fees for students participating in the EAP.

“Brandman University establishes Early Advantage partnership agreements with community colleges like Cuesta to provide students with a clearly defined path to pursue their higher education,” said Gary Brahm, Chancellor of Brandman University.  “These types of partnerships between community colleges and Brandman University will continue to play an important role for students pursuing their educational goals at a time when the economic crisis is forcing the California State University and University of California systems to limit enrollments.”

Cuesta College students are eligible to enroll in the Early Advantage Program immediately and can take transferable coursework in the following programs: Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Development, Legal Studies, Liberal Studies, Organizational Leadership, Psychology, Social Science and Sociology. The EAP also includes Brandman’s new bachelor's degree in Business Administration offered online and at the Santa Maria campus.

"This agreement provides Cuesta College students a new alternative to achieving their bachelor's degree.  With fewer transfer opportunities available at CSU and UC, the EAP with Brandman University gives our students another choice.  We are very excited about this new opportunity."  Gilbert H. Stork, Ed.D., Superintendent/President, Cuesta College.

Cuesta College students can apply for the program after they have fulfilled 12 transferable credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from all schools previously attended.  Students can transfer to Brandman University anytime up to one year after their last term of attendance at Cuesta College. Transcripts from all previous colleges attended must be submitted with the application to verify GPA eligibility.

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About Brandman University
Built on Chapman University's 150-year legacy of academic excellence, Brandman University, formerly Chapman University College, is a separate, regionally accredited university, established to provide a quality education to working adults - online and at 25 campuses throughout California and Washington. Brandman University offers over 200 innovative undergraduate, graduate, certificate, credential and professional development programs in Business, Arts and Sciences, Health, and Education.

About Cuesta College
Cuesta College serves more than 11,500 students in the San Luis Obispo area. It is highly regarded throughout California for its excellent educational programs, responsive student services and exceptional faculty and staff. Cuesta College offers 66 associate degree programs, lower division transfer courses, vocational/technical training, and distance education.