POTSDAM – SUNY Potsdam and Jefferson Community College (JCC) have established a new articulation agreement allowing students to easily transition from earning their associate degrees at the Watertown campus, to wrapping up their baccalaureate studies at SUNY Potsdam. The new AS/BS program in public health can be completed in four years.

By matching coursework between JCC and SUNY Potsdam, the agreement is designed to guarantee college credits completed at Jefferson are accepted at SUNY Potsdam, ultimately helping students maintain a direct college path to their 4-year institution without acquiring a surplus of credits unrelated to their 4-year program of study.

Under the new pathway, JCC students who are completing their associate degree in either healthcare management or human services can receive guaranteed admission to SUNY Potsdam’s Bachelor of Science degree program in public health. The program is designed so that they can complete all of the remaining coursework needed to wrap up their undergraduate studies within two years, with dedicated advising to ensure continuity.

“We at SUNY Potsdam are proud to broaden our partnership with JCC through our creation of this new articulation agreement, a program that will strengthen pathways in the STEM fields in the North Country. We know that Jefferson graduates are well prepared to succeed, and we’re proud to welcome them into our public health program as they pursue meaningful careers that make a difference,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith.

“Jefferson’s agreement with SUNY Potsdam provides an outstanding and powerful transfer pathway for Jefferson students who want to continue their education in the public health field of study,” said JCC President Dr. Daniel Dupee, “This agreement presents a straightforward and economical pathway to a four-year degree.”

Employment in public health fields is projected to increase 12 to 28 percent over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The flexible degree prepares students for careers in health education, social and community service leadership, and medical and health services management, or for further graduate study.

“We’re excited to be working with the human services and healthcare management programs at JCC. This is important for our campuses, but most of the impact will be seen in our regional communities that have significant public health workforce shortages,” said SUNY Potsdam Professor Dr. Kelly Bonnar, who directs the College’s public health programs.

SUNY Potsdam conditionally guarantees admission to all JCC associate degree graduates, along with the new public health pathway.

In addition, SUNY Potsdam offers three baccalaureate degree programs fully in Watertown, thanks to the ongoing partnership. JCC students can start their associate degrees and then transition directly into degree completion programs in either childhood/early childhood education (BA), early childhood education (BA), or in business administration (BS), all without leaving the Watertown campus.

Graduates of any of these programs can also receive automatic admission to SUNY Potsdam’s growing list of fully online master’s programs, including the Master of Science degree in public health.

Prospective JCC students should contact the JCC Enrollment Services office at (315) 786-2437 or admissions@sunyjefferson.edu. Spring 2024 semester classes at JCC begin Jan. 21, 2025. Registration opens October 21, 2024. Students should act now to start their free application for admission.

Current Jefferson students interested in transferring to SUNY Potsdam can email transfer@potsdam.edu or call 1 (877) POTSDAM, or contact the JCC Enrollment Services office at (315) 786-2437. JCC students must meet SUNY Potsdam admission requirements.

Learn more about JCC academic programs, transfer agreements and how to apply for admission at www.sunyjefferson.edu.

To learn more about SUNY Potsdam’s programs and partnerships with JCC, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/watertown.