November 28, 2017 - Panola College signed an articulation agreement with Sam Houston State University on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center on the campus of Panola College. Dr. Christopher Maynard, Associate Vice Provost for SHSU, and PC President Dr. Gregory Powell signed the agreement that streamlines the transfer process for students from PC to SHSU.
"Panola College anticipates a growing relationship with our friends at Sam Houston,” Dr. Powell commented. “This articulation agreement provides our students with a seamless transfer pathway as they continue their education towards bachelors' degrees.”
“The heart of everything is student success, and we believe this articulation agreement provides the best opportunity for students to complete their degrees on time and at the most reasonable cost,” said Dr. Maynard.
SHSU offers more than 80 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 50 master’s degree options, and six doctoral programs. Among these offerings is a bachelor of applied arts and sciences (BAAS) degree.
“The BAAS degree at Sam Houston State University merges perfectly with our Associate of Applied Science degrees,” said Dr. Billy Adams, Panola College Vice President of Instruction. “This will benefit students across many disciplines, from the health sciences to business and computer information technology.”
Students who have majored in a career and technology, vocational or technical program at Panola College and want to seek a baccalaureate degree at SHSU must have completed and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in a technical area and at least 36 hours of coursework must be in the technical area. The approved AAS degree programs include, but are not limited to, accounting, agricultural mechanization, automotive technology, biotechnology, child development and family studies, computer graphics arts technology, computer information technology, cosmetology, diagnostic medical imaging, early childhood development, emergency medical services professions, engineering technology, general business administration, geographical information systems, health information technology, human services, HVAC & R technology, interactive media, interior design technology, interpreter training technology, management, marketing, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, paralegal studies, physical therapist assistant, professional office technology, respiratory care, veterinary technology and welding technology.
Sam Houston State University, celebrating 137 years in higher education, currently serves more than 18,000 students in seven colleges. With its main campus in Huntsville, SHSU offers easy access to the vibrant economy of the greater Houston area. While embracing its legacy of exceptional teaching, SHSU meets the needs of contemporary students through traditional and online undergraduate and graduate degrees, and certificates.
“Panola College transfer students are high valued at Sam Houston State University,” said Dr. David Burris, SHSU Articulation Coordinator. “We encourage transfer students to complete the associate degree. If they come to SHSU prior to graduation, we will do everything possible to help them complete the associate degree via reverse transfer.” In reverse transfer, the credit hours taken would count toward the associate degree, allowing the students to have completion of both associate and bachelor’s degrees on their transcripts.
The agreement with SHSU also includes an opportunity to participate in a “Time Compressed Degree Plan.” Through this program, students who maximize dual credit hours at Panola can complete the high school diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate degree in six years or less in most fields. This can save families as much as 40 percent off a traditional university degree. Generally, traditional students require four years to obtain a high school diploma, and a minimum of four additional years for college and university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Online articulation maximizes the amount of course work that will apply to the bachelor’s degree program. Articulation information is accessible by students, parents, and counselors at http://www.shsu.edu/admissions/transfer/joint-admissions/panola/ .
“We are so pleased to be able to work with Sam Houston State University,” said Dr. Powell. “The university’s proximity to the greater Houston area offers students the opportunity to apply for internships and co-op educational options with many corporate and industrial facilities in the region.”
