Bergen Community College and Montclair State University Sign Transfer Agreement for Students Pursuing Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Bergen Community College President Dr. B. Kaye Walter and Montclair State University President Dr. Susan Cole signed an articulation agreement that will allow Bergen students who obtain an associate’s degree in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to transfer into Montclair State University’s bachelor’s of science degree programs.

Bergen students who complete an associate of science degree with an appropriate GPA in the natural sciences or mathematics, biology or biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, information technology, physics or engineering science will be able to transfer up to 60 credits toward Montclair State University’s bachelor’s of science degree programs in aquatic and coastal sciences, biology, biochemistry,  chemistry, computer science, science informatics, geosciences, information technology, mathematics, molecular biology, physics, and a bachelor’s of arts degree in geography.

In 2011, Bergen Community College secured a $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund a five-year project to prepare science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students for graduation, transfer to four-year schools and entry to professional fields.

According to a Georgetown University study, 63 percent of STEM graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn a higher salary than individuals holding a master’s degree in non-science majors. (Please see the complete details of the Georgetown University study at the bottom of the press release).

“This is an historic partnership for the College because it is the first time that we have signed a transfer agreement with a four-year university as part of the STEM grant,” said Dr. Walter, president of Bergen Community College. “The faculty and staff at Bergen are doing a tremendous job in preparing our students for careers in the STEM fields. Currently our students are working on a series of exciting projects including a bio-diesel generator, solar panels, and an electric car.”

"I am very pleased about our continuing and growing partnership with Bergen Community College," said Dr. Susan Cole, president of Montclair State University.  "One-third of the University's transfer students come from Bergen, and that amounts to approximately 550 students each year from Bergen.  The reason for that high number is that the University finds that the students from Bergen have received strong preparation, and, consequently, they succeed well in attaining their baccalaureate degrees at Montclair State."

For students interested in the STEM grant, please contact Jessica Montanaro, STEM Counselor, Bergen Community College at (201) 301-1711 or email jmontanaro@bergen.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Lori McCurley Mish, Public Relations Assistant, Bergen Community College at (201) 447-7127 or email lmccurley@bergen.edu.

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