STCC’s new majors ease transfer to 4-year colleges or universities
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College unveiled new program options under general studies to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities and focus on liberal arts majors.
The majors offered this spring are called English Communication and Professional Writing Transfer and Social Sciences Transfer.
“What the majors do is increase students' transfer option flexibility as students can select from the options and not lose any credits should they switch majors after the first term,” said Geraldine de Berly, vice president of Academic Affairs at STCC. “Since so many of our students are exploring majors in the first term, this allows them that exploration without it 'costing credits'. We are excited about offering more intentional pathways for our students.”
English Communication and Professional Writing Transfer gives students tools to develop and hone critical thinking and communication skills necessary for success in a variety of fields. Coursework in literature, communication, film and digital media, and academic and professional writing gives students a broad foundation for crafting written texts capable of reaching audiences of all types, said Richard Greco, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.
The major allows students to complete MassTransfer A2B (associate to bachelor’s degree) Pathways in English and Communications.
Students who complete a MassTransfer A2B program at STCC can transfer to a state university or state college and see significant cost savings. MassTransfer A2B Students who complete 60 credits at STCC before transferring can save an average of 28 percent on their bachelor’s degree.
What the majors do is increase students' transfer option flexibility as students can select from the options and not lose any credits should they switch majors after the first term,Geraldine de Berly, Vice President of Academic Affairs
“This degree is aimed at students who want to write some way professionally in their workplace. They might be interested in journalism or blog posts or writing copy for marketing and public relations, to name a few possible career paths,” Greco said. “This is also good for a student who wants to pursue a four-year degree in English, journalism or communications. Education is another good option.”
The second new major at STCC is called Social Sciences Transfer, a program for students who want to study human behavior and how individuals react with each other. At the same time, the major gives students the flexibility to determine which fields are of greatest interest to them.
“This is a great major for someone who is thinking about transferring and knows that they want to do something in the social science area,” Greco said.
Social Sciences Transfer allows students to complete Mass Transfer A2B Pathways in History and Sociology. Themes throughout this program include the balance of power in relationships, race, culture, and ethnicity, economic control of resources, and role of the government and citizenry.
“We are excited to offer these two new majors this spring,” Greco said. “These are our newest transfer options. We have several other transfer options for students that also meet the MassTransfer A2B requirements. We would be happy to speak to anyone with questions.”
Visit STCC’s YouTube channel to watch a video with more details about the new majors: youtube.com/springfieldtechcc.
Prospective students can visit stcc.edu and use the “ChatNow!” feature to ask questions online. They also can call admissions at (413) 755-3333 or send an email to admissions@stcc.edu.
The spring semester at STCC begins Monday, Jan. 25. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, STCC this spring will offer online classes with a mix of on-campus labs for health and technical programs.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu