Stockton, Atlantic Cape Enter Into Dual Degree Program

and established an agreement that allows Atlantic Cape students to transfer to Stockton after one year and obtain an Associate’s Degree from the community college while attending the state college, both schools announced in separate releases on Thursday, July 26.

The schools say the new Dual Degree Program (DDP) benefits students by increasing the number of degrees they earn and reduce the cost of college. The agreement takes effect immediately, and allows students to earn Associate’s Degrees in Arts or Science, and then pursue any Bachelor’s Degree they wish at Stockton.

Students will be guaranteed admission to Stockton as juniors with no loss of credits, up to a maximum of 64 credits. Students who transfer from Atlantic Cape after one year will earn their Associate’s Degree from Atlantic Cape upon completion of their 64 credits of coursework at Stockton, as long as they earned 32 credits at Atlantic Cape prior to transfer. Students who choose to pursue this avenue will be expected to adhere to Atlantic Cape’s residency and academic requirements.

Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp and Atlantic Cape President Dr. Peter L. Mora signed the agreement Thursday morning.

“Graduation rate at the community college level is tough,” Saatkamp said following Thursday afternoon’s Stockton Affiliated Services (SASI) meeting at the college. “Getting advice and direction at the community college level is difficult for students, and we can help with that.”

According to Saatkamp, 200 students have transferred from Atlantic Cape to Stockton. Of that group, 190 transferred after one year at Atlantic Cape.

“The Dual Degree Program Articulation Agreement between Atlantic Cape and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is an innovative and cost-effective alternative pathway to education,” Mora said in a release from his college. “The agreement creates an opportunity for students residing in Atlantic and Cape May counties to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Stockton College, and is another example of the successful collaboration between Atlantic Cape and Stockton.”