PHILADELPHIA (Apr. 21, 2011) – Saint Joseph’s University and Community College of Philadelphia now support a dual admissions partnership. The agreement allows students at the two-year school to transfer more seamlessly to complete a four-year degree through Saint Joseph’s College of Professional and Liberal Studies (PLS), which offers education options to non-traditional and adult students.

At a signing ceremony at Community College’s Northeast Regional Center, Saint Joseph’s confirmed the official agreement that allows participating students earning one of seven associate degrees to transfer credits to PLS for credit toward one of eight bachelor’s degrees.

“Our Dual Admissions Program partnerships provide our students with an excellent option to continue their education,” said Community College of Philadelphia President Stephen M. Curtis, Ph.D. “The agreements we have with four-year institutions are important because they validate our mission and the excellence of our faculty."

The official partnership cements Saint Joseph’s longstanding relationship with the Community College of Philadelphia. Over many years, the two institutions have often worked together to assist students in transitioning from the Community College to Saint Joseph’s, providing the flexibility and career-focused coursework students require to compete in the Philadelphia job market.

“Formalizing our partnership through dual admission represents a tremendous opportunity for both institutional administrations to continue to work together to bridge the education needs for Philadelphia residents from the two-year to four-year environment,” said John Haller, associate provost for Enrollment Management at Saint Joseph’s University.  “Through our support of initiatives like Graduate! Philadelphia and the City’s Returning to Learning Partnership, we are working together to create outreach, access, and affordable degree options for Philadelphians to realize their educational dreams.”

After graduating from the College with either an Associate in Arts or Associate in Applied Science degree, participating students are guaranteed admission to Saint Joseph’s College of Professional and Liberal Studies. New and current students at the Community College who have earned less than 45 credits can enroll by filling out an “Intent to Enroll” form and meeting certain requirements, including achieving a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.

Renewable merit scholarships are available for transfer students taking classes during the fall and spring semesters at Saint Joseph's main campus. To be eligible, students must have a transferable GPA of at least 3.0 and be enrolled in at least six credits during the applicable semester.

For more information about the Dual Admissions program, please visit the CCP website or call 215-751-8455.

Community College of Philadelphia enrolls more than 39,000 students annually at its Main Campus, three Regional Centers and various locations throughout Philadelphia. The College offers day, evening and weekend classes, as well as classes on the Internet. Visit the College at www.ccp.edu.