Penn State, Westmoreland County Community College streamline transfer process

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LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. - Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses and Westmoreland County Community College, building upon a long-standing relationship, have entered into a new articulation agreement designed to enhance educational opportunities and improve the rate at which students obtain undergraduate degrees in Pennsylvania.

Penn State is a geographically dispersed university with campuses spread throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This agreement includes seamless academic pathways for students in associate degree programs at Westmoreland County Community College to transfer up to 60 credits to a parallel baccalaureate program at one of Penn State's 14 University College campuses. The agreement aims to make it easier for students to earn a baccalaureate degree.

The following programs are included in the agreement:

• Associates of Health Science (AS): Transfers to Penn State Biobehavioral Health (BS)

• Associates of Science in Biology (AS): Transfers to Penn State Biology (BS)

• Business Administration (AA): Transfers to Penn State Business Administration (BS)

• Associate in Liberal Arts (AA): Transfers to Penn State Communications (BA)

• Criminal Justice (AA): Transfers to Penn State Criminal Justice (BA or BS)

• Associate in Arts (AA): Transfers to Penn State Human Development and Family Studies (BS), Humanities (BA), Information Technology (BS), or Multidisciplinary Studies (BA).

• Associate in Nursing (AAS): Transfers to Penn State Nursing (BSN)

• Associates of Arts in Business Administration (AA): Transfers to Penn State Project and Supply Chain Management (BS)

• Psychology (AA): Transfers to Penn State Psychology (BA or BS)

• Associates of Arts (AA): Transfers to Penn State Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management (BS)

• Applied Associate of Science in Social Work: Transfers to Penn State Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work

"Westmoreland County Community College is always exploring ways to open up opportunities for our students," said Kristy Bishop, interim president of Westmoreland County Community College. "We have had transfer agreements in place with Penn State for years and we are excited to further the relationship for the benefit of all the communities we serve."

Students planning to transfer also may request dual admission to a Penn State Commonwealth Campus by submitting a nonbinding intent to enroll, where they can receive a conditional offer of admission. They will then complete the transfer application via MyPennState in their last semester at Westmoreland County Community College. Guaranteed admission will be granted if students complete a Penn State Application for Undergraduate Admissions, submit final transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA with good academic standing, and meet the entry-to-major requirements specified by Penn State.

Penn State will honor the curriculum transfer process in effect when a student first enrolls at Westmoreland County Community College, provided the student completes their AA, AFA, AS, or AAS degree program and transfers within four years. For example, students starting in fall 2024 will have the agreement honored until spring 2028. Penn State and Westmoreland County Community College will collaborate to offer transfer students academic advising, technology resources, career services and financial aid information.

"I am grateful for the effort from both Penn State and Westmoreland County Community College that was dedicated to realizing this expanded agreement," said Megan Nagel, regional chancellor of Penn State Fayette, Greater Allegheny and New Kensington. "It underscores our shared commitment to access and affordability to higher education, reducing barriers for those in the region to achieve their academic goals."

"I am grateful for the effort from both Penn State and Westmoreland County Community College that was dedicated to realizing this expanded agreement. It underscores our shared commitment to access and affordability to higher education, reducing barriers for those in the region to achieve their academic goals."

-Megan Nagel , regional chancellor of Penn State Fayette, Greater Allegheny and New Kensington.

Transfer students also may participate in the RaiseMe Transfer Scholarship initiative, which provides grants up to $7,000 for eligible students. To qualify, students must follow Penn State Commonwealth Campuses on RaiseMe, enroll to earn micro-scholarships while attending a community college, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.

"The agreement benefits the businesses and communities in which students work and live by allowing students to continue to contribute to the well-being of their communities," said Cynthia Proctor, interim vice president of Westmoreland County Community College academic affairs. "The region's workforce needs are being met through this partnership on many levels."

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