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SUNY Potsdam and Jefferson Community College Establish 2+2 Program in Public Health

SUNY Potsdam and Jefferson Community College Announce AS/BS Program in Public Health

Potsdam, NY (10/03/2024) — SUNY Potsdam and Jefferson Community College are pleased to announce 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 Potsdam. The new AS/BS program in public health can be completed in four years.

By matching coursework between SUNY Potsdam and JCC, 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 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 on Oct. 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/watertown.

About SUNY Jefferson:

Established on November 7, 1961, Jefferson Community College was the area's first institution of higher education. Supervised by the State University of New York (SUNY), Jefferson offers 50+ associate degrees, certificates and microcredentials for career preparation or transfer; local access to bachelor's and advanced degrees through partner institutions; lifelong learning through workshops and seminars; business and industry training; and provides community-based research and a forum for the productive discussion of ideas and issues of significance to the community through the Center for Community Studies. Jefferson is accredited by the Middle States Association and currently serves approximately 2,500 students, including a significant number of service members and their families. To learn more, visit www.sunyjefferson.edu.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

Jefferson Community College has signed a 2+2 pathway for guaranteed admission to SUNY Potsdam’s undergraduate public health program. Seen here, SUNY Potsdam welcomes community members, local schools and non-profit partners for Public Health Day (Photo credit: Ayisha Khalid ’24).

Jefferson Community College has signed a 2+2 pathway for guaranteed admission to SUNY Potsdam’s undergraduate public health program. Seen here, SUNY Potsdam welcomes community members, local schools and non-profit partners for Public Health Day (Photo credit: Ayisha Khalid ’24).

SUNY Potsdam public health graduate Keely Fetterly ’23 completed an internship through Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 21st Century After School Program, providing mindfulness and mental health programming to regional elementary school students. Internships and research projects are a critical part of the program.

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