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Dalton State, UTC Sign Agreement to Help Students Complete an Engineering Degree
03/26/19
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Thanks to an agreement between Dalton State and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students wanting to pursue engineering or computer science can do so without leaving the Northwest Georgia area.
Students can begin their education at Dalton State, taking the first two years of courses required for an engineering or computer science degree at Dalton State, then transfer to UTC to finish their bachelor’s degree, according to an articulation agreement signed Tuesday.
The agreement streamlines the transfer process and ensures students are taking the right courses to complete a bachelor’s degree at UTC, said Dr. Randall Griffus, dean of Dalton State’s School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. Dalton State already has a similar engineering pathway with other schools in the University System of Georgia, such as Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, but those core requirements are different, Griffus said.
“The general education requirements at UTC are different, so students considering UTC should consult with a professional advisor in the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics as soon as possible to make sure they’re on the right track,” he said. “We’ve had a longstanding partnership with UTC, and many of our graduates transfer there to complete four-year degrees we don’t offer, as well as graduate degrees. This agreement solidifies the partnership between the two schools.
“Our students can be confident the courses in this agreement will transfer to UTC and apply toward an engineering or computer science degree,” Griffus said. “As long as the student maintains the required academic standards, they can be assured of acceptance into one of those programs.”
Many students choose Dalton State because it’s close to home for them and it’s affordable.
“An educational opportunity close to home is important to many of our students,” said Dr. Margaret Venable, president of Dalton State. “We already have several articulation agreements within the USG for students to pursue engineering degrees, but this will allow our students to stay in this area.”
Having this option also helps fulfill the needs of the local workforce.
“It is important we provide every opportunity possible for our students,” said Dr. Pat Chute, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our workforce needs students with these skills.”