Partnership With Columbus State Community College Grows

Union is the only outside university that offers a “3+1” opportunity on-site at the community college

CINCINNATI – Union Institute & University (UI&U) today announced that it will bring four additional bachelor of science programs to Columbus State Community College (CCSC), providing more opportunities for Columbus State students with an associate degree to earn a bachelor of science degree from UI&U, the private, non-profit university headquartered in Cincinnati.

In September 2010, UI&U faculty began teaching courses on-site at Columbus State’s downtown campus to CSCC students who are enrolled in UI&U’s sport management concentration with a goal to earn a UI&U BS in leadership. The first class exceeded the enrollment goals, and prompted the two higher learning institutions to add additional BS degree programs in criminal justice, early childhood studies, emergency services management, and business management.

“We are pleased to be able to create structured learning experiences that meet the specific needs and career objectives of Columbus State graduates,” said Dr. Carolyn Turner, UI&U undergraduate dean. “By working closely with Columbus State faculty, we were able to design degree programs that are not only in line with the goals of the Columbus State student, but also reinforce UI&U’s dedication to providing relevant and academically-challenging undergraduate programs that fit the lifestyle of today’s busy students.”

While Columbus State has many agreements with nearby colleges and universities, UI&U is the only outside college that offers a “3+1” opportunity onsite at CSCC. Students can take all four years of their bachelor’s degree at Columbus State with the first three years offered by CSCC and the last through classes offered by Union. This offers students a substantial savings on their tuition, and provides a convenient and accelerated path to attain a bachelor’s degree.

"Columbus State has a history of working with other institutions to offer a variety of options for our graduates to continue their education," says Will Kopp, vice president for Institutional Advancement. "Union Institute & University offers a fresh option by providing instructors and classes for CCSC students directly on the Columbus State downtown campus. That arrangement is a very convenient option for our students."

An articulation agreement recently established between UI&U and Columbus State allows Columbus State students from selected programs to transfer appropriate course work toward their bachelor’s degree at UI&U. In addition, graduates of Columbus State’s associate degree programs who transfer into UI&U’s undergraduate program receive a 10 percent discount on the tuition rate. They also receive a tuition scholarship for the last four credits if they maintain continuous enrollment in good standing with UI&U.

Courses in criminal justice management begin in late June and business management, emergency services management, and early childhood studies courses, all leading to bachelor’s degree with these specific majors, will start in September 2011.

For more information about the new programs please contact Nicole Hamilton, UI&U public relations manager at 513-487-1194 or nicole.hamilton@myunion.edu.