By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College signed an agreement with North Georgia Technical College Monday, increasing opportunities for area students.
The two institutions signed an articulation agreement, which allows students at NGTC to receive credit for approved classes taken at NGTC that will satisfy degree requirements at Young Harris College. The approved courses range from accounting to sociology.
“This is a great opportunity for North Georgia Technical College and Young Harris College to partner together to help students in the area pursue their degrees,” said Dr. John Wells, YHC President. “Providing an avenue like this for students helps them to follow whatever their academic dreams are – which should be the focus of any higher education institution.”
The agreement covers courses in the following areas:
- Accounting
- Psychology
- Sociology
Some of the sociology courses can also be used as electives in YHC’s Criminology, Law, and Society baccalaureate degree.
“At North Georgia Technical College, we want our students to know that earning an associate degree is just one step in their educational journey,” said John Wilkinson, NGTC president. “This agreement with Young Harris College creates new opportunities for our graduates to continue their education, build on the knowledge and skills they’ve gained at NGTC, and pursue a bachelor’s degree. We’re excited to partner with Young Harris College to provide a smooth transfer pathway that helps students reach their goals while saving time and money.”
The agreement will fall under YHC’s Transfer Credit Policy, which means students with a previously earned associate or baccalaureate degree are exempt from completing all lower division requirements within the college’s general education curriculum, with the exception of specific general education requirements within a major.
“This agreement provides additional flexibility for today’s students who are working toward a higher education degree,” said Dr. Matt Byron, YHC’s vice president for Professional Readiness & Experiential Program. “If we can do something to help further a student’s education, we want to do that.”
This partnership with NGTC follows a similar affiliate agreement YHC signed with Brenau University in Gainesville. This affiliate agreement will help students and alumni pursue graduate degrees at Brenau.
The agreement allows applicants to receive preferred admission consideration, which may include application fee waivers and expedited review. Additionally, YHC students and alumni who are admitted and enroll in a Brenau graduate program will receive a one-time $200 scholarship applied toward tuition and fees.
“Affiliate agreements like this are just another way we can be nimble and flexible in the higher education environment,” Wells said. “It helps us provide solutions for our students who are looking to continue their education.”
Options for graduate study at Brenau include interior design, accounting, business administration, organizational leadership, communication and media studies, various teaching and education tracks, psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.
“The affiliate agreement between Brenau and Young Harris expedites students’ transition from undergraduate to graduate school,” Brenau Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs James Eck, Ph.D., said. “Young Harris graduates can pursue high-demand programs at Brenau, including master’s and doctoral programs.”
To be eligible, applicants must be current YHC students or alumni and meet all Brenau GPA, coursework and deadline requirements. All applicants will be evaluated via Brenau’s established admissions processes.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 33 majors and 24 minors housed under twelve academic departments. Approximately 1,500 students are enrolled in its residential, master’s degree, and dual enrollment programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas.
