Officials from Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) and Muhlenberg College have signed agreements linking certain LCCC associate degree programs with specific bachelor’s level accelerated degree programs offered by Muhlenberg College’s Wescoe School of Continuing Education.

The partnership complements the existing articulation agreement between the two institutions and offers a streamlined admissions process for LCCC students interested in furthering their studies at Muhlenberg College.

Signed March 4 by LCCC President Dr. Ann D. Bieber and Muhlenberg College President John I. Williams, Jr., the agreements are designed to ease students’ transition from LCCC associate degrees to six Wescoe School bachelor’s degree programs with related curriculums.

“Through our Wescoe School, Muhlenberg has enjoyed a longstanding alliance with Lehigh Carbon Community College, and we consider them a respected and trusted partner in providing high-quality educational opportunities to the local community. Over the years, many adult students have come to Muhlenberg to build on the solid academic foundation they received at LCCC,” said Williams.

“This agreement further broadens the opportunities LCCC students have when choosing to transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree,” said Bieber. “This agreement confirms that by allowing and encouraging students to continue on to earn their bachelor’s degree and for making that process seamless.”

The initial six pairings of programs were chosen because, with strategic planning-advising (choosing electives that meet both LCCC degree requirements and Muhlenberg general academic requirements), students will transfer to Muhlenberg needing only the 17 modules-units in their chosen accelerated degree program.

“This new agreement identifies certain programs that are especially well-aligned at our respective colleges. LCCC’s two-year curriculum prepares students well in a specific field or industry. These students then come to Muhlenberg ready to focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for future leadership positions,” Williams said. “This cooperative venture will only enhance the already complementary relationship and shared mission between our institutions.”