Thomas Edison State University (TESU) and Hudson County Community College (HCCC) have signed an agreement that will allow HCCC students the opportunity to enroll in the associate degree programs at HCCC and then progress seamlessly to the baccalaureate degree program in Technical Studies offered at the University.

TESU works with the state’s community colleges to remove hurdles, reduce costs and streamline access to higher education credentials for New Jersey students. “Thomas Edison State University continues to pursue ways to help close the gap between the needs of employers and the skills of employees,” said TESU President Merodie A. Hancock. “Hudson County Community College provides exceptional educational opportunities to students throughout the region and beyond, and we are excited to partner with them. Together with our community college partners, we continue to align education to the workforce and increase our partnerships with trades to offer affordable and timely degree-completion pathways in high-demand fields.”

HCCC students will pursue an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Advanced Manufacturing and will transfer those credits to Thomas Edison to continue to the Bachelor of Science degree program. TESU and HCCC are also partnering with Eastern Millwork, a registered apprenticeship program, to incorporate and recognize apprenticeship training seamlessly into this partnership and degree pathway for students.

“Hudson County Community College is the only community college in New Jersey to develop a process for awarding apprenticeship credit in a dual-education program,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “Our articulation agreement with Thomas Edison State University, and partnerships with area manufacturing firms and local construction unions, successfully address the challenges of developing educated, skilled workers needed in specialized and vital industries who can enjoy rewarding, sustainable careers.”

New Jersey’s community colleges offer an affordable education for more than 325,000 students at more than 60 campuses, making them the largest provider of higher education in the state. By working together, Thomas Edison State University and Hudson County Community College will help the state’s economy grow and industries thrive by producing graduates with the skills necessary for high-quality careers.

To learn more, go to www.tesu.edu or www.hccc.edu.