Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
6-2014
Abstract
Underrepresented minority students pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related degrees at much lower rates compared to other segments of the population. To attract minority students, schools with STEM programs have resorted to myriad strategies such as cohorts, scholarships, mentoring, summer bridges, etc. Some schools have also sought innovative ways to develop a pipeline for graduates of two-year technical degree programs to matriculate into their four-year STEM programs and complete the remaining coursework leading to a BAT or BS degree. The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) has adopted this latter innovative approach to increasing student enrollment in STEM fields. The College of Science, Mathematics and Technology (CSMT) has recently completed and signed novel articulation agreements with three of the major community colleges in the region. These articulation agreements provide a pathway for community college students to seamlessly transfer into the UXX STEM programs. The community college programs covered in the articulation agreements represent a wide variety of two-year programs in the fields of engineering and technology. The seamless pipeline generated through these articulation agreements will greatly enhance the transfer of students from the two-year programs into four-year baccalaureate programs. The STEM programs at the college (CSMT) are already witnessing increased enrollment numbers as a result of the community college transfers. This paper will detail the articulation agreements, discuss the benefits of the agreements for both types of institutions, and analyze the challenges encountered in transferring technical courses from the community colleges. Preliminary enrollment data will be presented that suggests an early indication as to the future viability of the articulated programs.
Recommended Citation
Edinbarough, I. A., & Bouniaev, M., & Elliott, B. W. (2014, June), Creating a Seamless Pipeline into Undergraduate Programs in STEM Fields Through Region-wide Articulation Agreements Paper presented at 2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Indianapolis, Indiana. 10.18260/1-2--20218
Publication Title
2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
DOI
10.18260/1-2--20218
Comments
© 2014 American Society for Engineering Education.