HCC and SCSU Announce New Local Option to Earn Bachelor's Degrees

Housatonic Community College (HCC) and Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) are pleased to announce a new partnership that will allow HCC students to earn an SCSU bachelor of science degree in Healthcare Studies without leaving the HCC campus. A memorandum of understanding signing took place with leaders of both colleges yesterday, March 23, 2022, at HCC in Bridgeport, CT to formalize the agreement.

Entitled SCSU@HCC, the program agreement allows for at least two SCSU courses to be offered at the HCC campus each semester. The balance of courses relevant to the degree will be offered online. Support services, such as access to tutoring, advising and writing support will also be extended to students. The agreement remains in place until June of 2027.

“This is a great win for Housatonic scholars,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith, CEO of Housatonic. “Now our scholars can become SCSU students pursuing bachelor degrees without having to travel to SCSU. This collaborative opportunity opens doors for HCC scholars, allowing them to climb the socioeconomic ladder, and create a better life for themselves and their families.”

The convenience of the program is significant. With many of HCC’s student body coming from low-wealth households, and the majority of the student population residing in Bridgeport, travel to SCSU’s campus in New Haven could become a barrier to completing the degree. Agreements such as this one encourage community college students to enroll in four-year colleges, and create a pathway to further education.

“This program and partnership puts the Southern Connecticut State University mission of access and social justice into practice by ensuring that students have access to a bachelor’s degree, which is the calling card for many of the most in-demand careers today and in the future,” said Joe Bertolino, Ed.D., president of Southern Connecticut State University.

Certain HCC degrees pipeline into the SCSU Healthcare Studies degree, including Psychology, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology and General Studies. Graduates of the SCSU@HCC program will be prepared for graduate health and medical studies, or for immediate entry into careers in the field, such as patient experience specialists, pharmaceutical sales representatives, health research assistants, digital health communication specialists, and health care administrators, to name a few.

“With HCC’s slogan of ‘Stay Close, Go Far’, this program allows Housatonic students to stay local while furthering their education, and realizing opportunities for career advancement,” said Robin Avant, HCC Dean of Academic Affairs.

To learn more about Housatonic Community College visit Housatonic.edu. Visit Southernct.edu to learn more about Southern Connecticut State University.