In celebration of the 10-year partnership between Schoolcraft College and Wayne State University, the institutions announced an expanded agreement that provides transfer students with a clear path from an associate degree to a bachelor’s, limiting any loss of credits and helping families save tuition dollars.

The new Transfer Pathways Agreement between Schoolcraft College and Wayne State maximizes credits students earn while completing an associate degree at Schoolcraft and transferring to WSU to complete a bachelor’s.

A special signing ceremony was hosted June 15 at the Wayne State University center on the third floor of Schoolcraft College’s Jeffress Center to make the Pathways program official. It goes into effect in fall 2023.

Schoolcraft College President Glenn Cerny and Wayne State University Vice President for Academic Student Affairs and Global Engagement Ahmad M. Ezzeddine spoke about the importance of the partnership.

“This partnership has been incredibly valuable to our students seeking to continue their academic journey at Wayne State University, especially having them be able complete coursework right here at Schoolcraft College,” said Cerny. “As we look back at the successes we’ve had the last 10 years with this program, we look forward to continuing this partnership with Wayne State University."

The Pathways program provides a seamless transfer between schools, with the goal of students completing a bachelor’s within four years. Students will be eligible for WSU transfer merit scholarships valued at up to $6,000 a year and receive specialized academic advising and career counseling prior to transferring and once they enroll at Wayne State. Several of the programs allow students to transfer more than 60 credits to WSU, as well as participate in University Honors and accelerated master’s programs.

This is the university’s most wide-ranging pathway, which includes academic programs from six Wayne State schools and colleges, WSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Mark Kornbluh explained.

“It is important for universities to deepen their connections with community colleges because they are the entryway to higher education for many students,” he said. “Increasing access to higher education is built into our strategic plan. Pathways that minimize or eliminate loss of credits in the transfer process make a four-year degree more attainable and more affordable for students from across the state. We want to make it possible for everyone to have the opportunity to earn a Wayne State degree.”

Schoolcraft College Pathways students who meet program requirements will receive guaranteed admission to WSU. Requirements include earning at least 60 credit hours with a 2.5 or higher GPA and completing their associate degree at Schoolcraft College.

Pathways programs

Mike Ilitch School of Business: Accounting, finance, global supply chain management, information systems management, management and marketing.

College of Education: Community health, and exercise and sport science.

College of Engineering: Construction management, electronic/electrical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, and welding and metallurgical engineering technology.

College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts: Graphic design.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Criminal justice, history, law, public health and urban studies.

School of Social Work: Social work.

“It has been a pleasure to partner with Schoolcraft for 10 years,” Ezzeddine said. “These new pathways expand our collaboration so we can offer more opportunities for students in western Wayne County and get them on their way to a bachelor’s. A well-educated, prepared workforce is what our area and state need to compete in emerging industries such as electric vehicles, robotics and artificial intelligence, and in growing fields like health care.”

About Schoolcraft College

Schoolcraft College is a public community college, offering traditional classes as well as distance learning opportunities at schoolcraft.edu. The college enrolls more than 30,000 students each year in both credit programs and continuing education and professional development courses. The college has over 130 programs leading to a skills certificate, certificate, associate degree or post-associate certificate, plus a bachelor of science in culinary and dietary operations management. Students can take advantage of other bachelor’s programs offered by several university partners on-site or transfer credits to other four-year institutions, saving time and money in pursuit of a bachelor’s. Learn more at schoolcraft.edu.

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University is one of the nation’s preeminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world.