Morgan State University Newsroom Morgan State University
New Partnership Creates Opportunities for Howard Community College and Prince George’s Community College Students to Earn a Four-Year Engineering or Psychology Degree
Laurel, MD. – Morgan State University (MSU) President David Wilson joined Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) President Charlene M. Dukes, Howard Community College (HCC) President Kathleen Hetherington and Laurel College Center (LCC) Program Director Nancy L. Grinberg to announce the signing of a memorandum of agreement that expands Morgan’s presence in Maryland and provides opportunities for students to earn four-year bachelor’s degrees in two of the University’s in-demand programs. With this new partnership, students who are matriculating at PGCC and HCC and have received an associate degree will be able to take courses at the Laurel College Center leading to a Bachelor of Science in engineering or a Bachelor of Arts in psychology degree offered at Morgan. The University will begin offering courses at LCC in the 2018 spring semester.
“The signing of this agreement offers a tremendous opportunity for Morgan to collaborate with other institutions of higher learning to deliver instructional services in two highly sought-after fields, providing a pathway to high-paying careers,” said Dr. Wilson of Morgan. “Having a Morgan presence at the Laurel College Center expands the educational prospects for Marylanders living in the region.”
Located in Prince George’s County and bordering Howard and Anne Arundel counties, the Laurel College Center was established in 2001 as a partnership between Howard Community College and Prince George’s Community College. In subsequent years, LCC has become a Maryland regional higher education center, offering courses and degree programs at all levels of study — undergraduate, graduate and continuing education — from a number of colleges and universities. More than 1,400 community college students are participating in courses offered at LCC.
“For 16 years, the Laurel College Center has been helping students get ahead with its personalized and supportive educational offerings,” said Dr. Hetherington of Howard Community College. “Morgan State University will deliver programs that meet students’ needs and help grow this region’s workforce of the future.”
Pending Maryland Higher Education Commission approval, Morgan will be the only institution allowed to offer engineering and psychology programs at LCC and will assume responsibility for hiring the faculty teaching the courses, providing the plans of study for the courses and making available all equipment, instruments, technology and support services needed for student success. In addition, students enrolled in the Morgan programs at LCC will be afforded the same benefits as students located at the Baltimore campus, including access to and use of MSU academic and research facilities, educational and learning resources, social and cultural events and the University bookstore.
“Prince George’s Community College is committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education, and one of the ways we achieve this is through our partnerships with our four-year institutions,” said Dr. Dukes of Prince George’s Community College. “The college is thrilled to be able to provide another opportunity for success that is specifically tailored to our diverse student population and is in line with our mission of transforming the lives of the students we serve.”
Morgan is the latest Maryland university to partner with the Center in offering degree programs, joining the University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland University College. This new collaboration comes as part of a statewide effort led by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to provide a seamless educational experience for students while expanding educational opportunities for Maryland citizens.
The Laurel College Center is located in downtown Laurel at 312 Marshall Avenue.
About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is celebrating its 150th year of excellence in higher education. A Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, Morgan offers more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s designated Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
About Howard Community College
Since 1970, Howard Community College (HCC) has been a preferred college choice for students and families in Howard County, Md. A public community college, HCC offers associate degree and certificate programs, as well as workforce development training and continuing education classes, to nearly 30,000 credit and noncredit students each year. Among HCC’s recent honors is being named to the top 10 of America’s Best Two-Year College for Adult Learners by Washington Monthly.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015–2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers, to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. PGCC is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education through 2025. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Larry Jones, Morgan State University
(443) 885-3022
Elizabeth S. Homan, Howard Community College
443-518-4073
Angie Crews, Prince George’s Community College
301-546-7506
