On Monday, August 12, Middlesex Community College and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) held a ceremony on MCC’s Lowell Campus. MCC President Phil Sisson and MCPHS Chief Enrollment Officer Eric Thompson signed an articulation agreement to create a pathway for Middlesex students to more easily transfer to MCPHS.
“We are thrilled to partner with MCPHS to provide a clear and accessible transfer process for our students,” President Sisson said. “At MCC, we help a diverse population of students earn an affordable education, complete general education requirements, gain hands-on learning opportunities, and find a sense of belonging early on in their college experiences. This partnership with MCPHS offers a distinct transfer and career pathway to ensure our students continue on and thrive at four-year schools and in their careers to reach long-term success.”
“There is a real synergy and alignment of institutional priorities and goals between MCC and MCPHS and this experience has been an engaging opportunity,” Thompson said during his welcome address at the event. “We understand the importance of the articulation agreement for the region and state’s workforce development in the health and sciences. Through the agreement with Middlesex, we are glad to see students following the tradition of becoming leaders on our campus and graduating.”
This agreement with MCPHS will provide MCC students with a pathway into biology programs at MCPHS. Both institutions are committed to student success, hands-on learning, and providing paid internships and learning experiences for students, according to Russell Olwell, MCC’s Dean of Education & K-16 Partnerships.
“MCPHS is known for its programs in health careers – particularly in pharmacy – and has many opportunities for our students at both the bachelor's and professional school levels,” Olwell said. “Many MCC students have expressed interest in attending MCPHS, which has campuses in Boston, Worcester and Manchester.”
MCC is a starting point for many students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go to school and earn their education. At Middlesex, students complete their general education requirements that will then transfer to MCPHS for credit toward a bachelor’s degree. MCPHS has also promised significant resources to help our students afford college and transition to the four-year school.
“We are excited about this agreement and how it provides a pathway for our students,” said Arlene Rodríguez, Provost & Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs during her speech at the event. “The alignment of credits and the admissions process will make the transfer smoother. MCPHS is a dream school for many of our students and we are thankful for the arrangement.”