Brandman University and Tacoma Community College Launch New Local Option to Earn Bachelor Degrees

July 7, 2010 - PRLog -- Students could earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years through a new partnership between Tacoma Community College and Brandman University.

The TCC/Brandman Virtual Transfer Program allows qualified students from TCC to transfer to the fully online degree programs at Brandman. The opportunity enables students to earn a degree at their own pace, whether that is faster or slower than the traditional four-year schedule.

The program is part of the Early Advantage Agreement that was signed by both institutions in fall 2009. The partnership allows for automatic admission to qualified students who successfully complete their associate degree at TCC. Brandman makes the transfer process easier and more streamlined.

“We want a seamless transition from the community college to the university,” said Dr. Shelly Neal, Associate Vice Chancellor for Brandman University. “Through the EAP, students will have the opportunity to come to Brandman after TCC and finish their education within a year to a year-and-a-half while receiving dual support from both academic institutes.”

The Early Advantage Program includes Brandman University’s new bachelor in business administration (BBA) degree, which is offered online and at the Lacey campus. Other bachelor’s degree programs include organizational leadership, psychology, liberal studies and early childhood education.  A full list of programs offered at Brandman’s fully online, Lacey or Joint Base Lewis McChord campuses can be found at http://brandman.edu

“We are excited to be a partner in a flexible and cost-effective way for students to follow their educational dreams without leaving their community,” said TCC President Pamela Transue.

While in the program, students will have access to the academic and student services of TCC and Brandman, including advising services, information sessions, technology support and educational planning. Students can also lock in their academic catalog, giving them the ability to transfer all completed coursework contained in the agreement while working at their own pace.

“Brandman’s accreditation, personalized service, flexible schedules for working adults and high graduation rates are key benefits for Tacoma Community College students transitioning to a bachelor’s degree program” said Chancellor Gary Brahm of Brandman University. The alliance between Tacoma Community College and Brandman University is part of this ambition to ease the experience of balancing work with valued education. For More information on the Virtual Transfer Program visit http://brandman.edu/tcc

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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 Tacoma Community College: Tacoma Community College is founded on three essential values: instructional excellence, educational access and an effective learning environment for its increasingly diverse student body. TCC is recognized as a spirited leader in emphasizing and documenting student learning in the Washington community and strengthens its commitment to innovation through integrating new-age technology into its academic programs.