NAU streamlines affordable degree path for Maricopa Community College students

Northern Arizona University’s new joint admissions partnership in Maricopa County is streamlining higher education opportunities and creating a more affordable pathway to a baccalaureate degree.

Called Connect2NAU, the partnership allows enrolled students to complete NAU bachelor’s degrees for less than half the cost of a traditional four-year public university education. Students save time and money by being admitted to NAU while they are earning an associate degree at a Maricopa Community College.

“We are trying to open the doors to many more students,” said NAU President John Haeger. “Different education structures will appeal to different students. When a four-year residential experience is not the best fit for a student, we can determine another method to meet their needs.”

Connect2NAU students can complete their bachelor's degree by attending NAU classes on a Maricopa Community College campus or in their community. Students also can enroll online or at NAU in Flagstaff. Students have access to NAU transfer advisement, online resources, Cline Library privileges, an NAU e-mail account, a Bridge to NAU tutorial and a waived university admission application fee.

Maria Harper-Marinick is executive vice chancellor and provost of the Maricopa Community Colleges. “The Maricopa Colleges have a long history working with Northern Arizona University,” said Maria Harper-Marinick, executive vice chancellor and provost of the Maricopa Community Colleges. “We are committed to enhancing and strengthening our relationship through innovative strategies such as this joint admissions program.”

Advisers from both institutions will work with Connect2NAU students to ensure they are taking the right courses to earn an NAU bachelor's degree after completing their associate degree at a local Maricopa community college. Students with a 3.5 grade point average while in Connect2NAU automatically will be considered for $2,000 transfer scholarships.

NAU also is expanding its degree options at several Maricopa Community Colleges.

The Bachelor of Business Administration currently being offered at Paradise Valley Community College will now be offered at Mesa Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. In addition, more locations are offering degree programs that accept up to 90 transfer credits, including Administration of Justice, Emergency Services Administration and Technology Management degrees.

NAU transfer programs with Maricopa Community Colleges also include degrees in Public Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Interior Design, Speech Communication and Elementary and Special Education.

NAU has been a leader in offering degree paths in the Phoenix area for more than 30 years. For information on how to chart your education course, contact your PC2NAU advisor Tanya Mure at tanya.mure@nau.edu or 602-285-7148.

From InsideNAU 10/7/2010