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JCC and SUNY Potsdam Announce Science Pathways for
AS/BA and AS/BS Degrees
Published: April 14, 2025 at
12:00 a.m.
By: Press Release from
Jefferson Community College
JCC and SUNY Potsdam Announce Science Pathways for
AS/BA and AS/BS Degrees
Jefferson
Community College (JCC) and SUNY Potsdam are pleased to announce a new
articulation agreement strengthening science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) education in the North
Country.
The newly
approved A.S./B.A. and A.S./B.S. pathways in natural sciences,
chemistry, and biochemistry can be completed in
four years, allowing students to easily transition from earning their
associate degrees from Jefferson to wrapping up their baccalaureate studies
at SUNY Potsdam, while staying in the North Country region.
By matching
coursework between JCC and SUNY Potsdam, the agreement is designed to
guarantee college credits completed in Jefferson’s transfer pathways 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 pathway of study.
Under the new
pathway, JCC students who are completing their associate degree in natural sciences, with either the
physical science concentration or the allied health and biological sciences
concentration can receive guaranteed admission to SUNY Potsdam’s Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry or its Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. The pathway
is designed so that students can complete all of
the remaining coursework needed to wrap up their undergraduate studies
within two years, with dedicated advising to ensure continuity.
Jefferson
President Daniel J. Dupee, II, says, “We are thrilled to offer our students
and community this valuable pathway to advanced education in the STEM
field. The articulation agreement with SUNY Potsdam not only enhances
educational opportunities for JCC students but also reflects our commitment
to providing accessible, high-quality academic pathways that support both
personal success and regional workforce development. This partnership
exemplifies our ongoing efforts to strengthen the educational landscape in
the North Country and create a sustainable future for our students and the
local community.”
SUNY Potsdam
President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith says, “We at SUNY Potsdam are excited to
expand our collaboration with Jefferson Community College through the
establishment of this new articulation agreement. This initiative will
enhance pathways in STEM fields across the North Country. Jefferson
graduates are exceptionally prepared for success, and we are thrilled to
welcome them into our biochemistry and chemistry pathways as they embark on
impactful careers.”
With employment of biochemists and biophysicists projected to
grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, this agreement comes at a crucial time
for students pursuing careers in these fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics also estimates that about 4,000 openings for biochemists and
biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Both degrees
prepare students for careers in biotechnology, analytical labs, chemical
industry, pharmacy, patent law, forensic science, secondary science
education, research and development, pharmaceuticals, medicine, medical and
diagnostics lab work, and other scientific fields.
Dr. Martin
Walker, chair of SUNY Potsdam’s chemistry and biochemistry pathways, says,
“We’re excited to collaborate with Jefferson Community College's natural
science pathways. This partnership not only strengthens our campuses but
also significantly impacts the North Country by providing students with
seamless pathways to advanced degrees and rewarding careers in STEM fields.”
SUNY Potsdam
conditionally guarantees admission to all JCC associate degree graduates,
along with the new chemistry/biochemistry pathway.
In addition, SUNY
Potsdam offers three baccalaureate degree pathways fully in Watertown,
thanks to the ongoing partnership. JCC students can start their
associate degrees and then transition directly into degree completion
pathways in either childhood/early childhood education (BA), early
childhood education (BA), or in business administration (BS), all without
leaving the Watertown campus. Furthermore, an articulation agreement
established with SUNY Potsdam in October 2024 allows graduates of JCC’s
healthcare management or human services pathway to transfer seamlessly into
its bachelor's pathway in public health.
Graduates of any
of these pathways can also receive automatic admission to SUNY Potsdam’s
growing list of fully online master’s pathways, 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. 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 pathways, transfer agreements and how to apply for
admission.
To learn
more about SUNY Potsdam’s pathways and partnerships with JCC.
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About Jefferson
Community College
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. Please visit www.sunyjefferson.edu/about for more information.
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