Course Transfer Agreement

Between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Providence College School of Continuing Education (PCSCE)

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and the Providence College School of Continuing Education (PCSCE) have established a formal Course Transfer Agreement to help students move seamlessly from associatedegree programs at CCRI to bachelor's degree programs at Providence College. This page outlines the purpose of the agreement, eligible programs, transfer procedures, articulation details, and resources available to students and advisors.

1. Purpose of the Agreement

The primary goals of the CCRIPCSCE Transfer Agreement are to:

• Provide a clear, statewide pathway for CCRI students seeking a bachelors degree.
• Ensure that credits earned at CCRI are recognized and applied toward a Providence College degree with minimal loss of time or money.
• Facilitate advisory support for students at both institutions, helping them make informed decisions about course selection and degree planning.
• Promote academic collaboration and shared standards between the two institutions.

2. Eligible Programs

The agreement currently covers the following fields of study. Each CCRI associatedegree program is mapped to a corresponding bachelor's program at PCSCE, and the specific courses that transfer are listed in the articulation matrix (see the downloadable PDF linked below).

• Business & Management Associate in Business (AS) to Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
• Computer Science & Information Technology Associate in Computer Science (AA) to Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
• Health Sciences Associate in Health Sciences (AA) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RNBSN) and Bachelor of Science in Health Administration.
• Liberal Arts & Humanities Associate in Liberal Arts (AA) to Bachelor of Arts in English, History, or Sociology.
• Science & Mathematics Associate in Science (AS) to Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics.

3. How the Transfer Process Works

1. Advising at CCRI Students meet with a CCRI Transfer Advisor early in their associatedegree program to discuss eligibility, required courses, and timelines.
2. Course Selection Advisors provide the articulation matrix that lists CCRI courses that satisfy PCSCE degree requirements. Students should prioritize these courses to avoid taking nontransferable electives.
3. Maintain Academic Standards A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required for admission to PCSCE. Certain programs may have higher GPA thresholds (e.g., Nursing requires 2.75).
4. Application to Providence College After completing the associate degree, students submit an application to PCSCE, including official transcripts and any required supplemental documents (e.g., letters of recommendation for nursing).
5. Credit Evaluation The PCSCE Office of Admissions reviews the transcript using the preapproved articulation matrix. Eligible courses are awarded transfer credit and applied toward the appropriate generaleducation or major requirements.
6. Registration at PCSCE Once admitted, students meet with a PCSCE Academic Advisor to create a personalized degree plan that incorporates transferred credits and outlines remaining coursework.

4. Articulation Details

The articulation matrix is the backbone of the agreement. It defines how each CCRI course maps to a Providence College requirement. Key points include:

• General Education Most associatedegree generaleducation courses (e.g., English Composition, College Algebra, Introductory Psychology) fulfill PCSCEs liberalarts core.
• MajorSpecific Courses For Business, Computer Science, and Health Science programs, the matrix lists core major courses that transfer directly into the juniorlevel portion of the bachelors degree.
• UpperDivision Substitutions In some cases, a lowerdivision CCRI course may substitute for an upperdivision requirement at PCSCE if the content aligns closely and the student achieved a grade of B or higher.
• NonTransferable Courses Developmental, remedial, or highly specialized electives (e.g., Introduction to Wine Tasting) are not eligible for transfer.

5. Financial Considerations

Students benefit financially from the articulation agreement in several ways:

• The cost per credit hour at CCRI is significantly lower than at PCSCE, allowing students to complete roughly twothirds of their bachelors degree at communitycollege rates.
• Both institutions participate in the Rhode Island Student Assistance Corporation (RISAC) loan programs, offering favorable interest rates for eligible transfer students.
• PCSCE offers a Transfer Scholarship of up to $5,000 for students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete the associate degree within the standard timeframe.

6. Support Services for Transfer Students

Transitioning from CCRI to PCSCE can be a major change. Both schools provide dedicated resources:

• Transfer Student Orientation A oneday program at PCSCE covering campus resources, academic expectations, and student life.
• Advising Centers CCRIs Transfer Center and PCSCEs Academic Advising Office collaborate on joint advising sessions and webinars.
• Peer Mentoring Current PCSCE students who transferred from CCRI volunteer as mentors, offering firsthand advice on course selection and campus navigation.
• Career Services Both institutions provide resume workshops, internship listings, and employer networking events tailored to transfer students.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer if I have a GPA below 2.5?

Generally, a GPA of 2.5 is required. However, students with strong professional experience or extenuating circumstances may petition the Admissions Committee for a waiver.

Do I have to complete an associate degree before applying?

No. Students may apply after completing at least 60 transferable credits and meeting the GPA requirement. Admission decisions will be based on the coursework completed at that time.

What if I change my major after transferring?

You may change majors, but the applicability of transferred credits will be reevaluated. Credits that do not fulfill the new majors requirements may count as electives.

Is there a deadline for applying?

PCSCE has three major admission periods: Fall (priority deadline March1), Spring (deadline October1), and Summer (deadline January15). Early application is encouraged.

8. Downloadable Resources

For detailed coursebycourse articulation, scholarship information, and application forms, please use the links below:

• CCRIPCSCE Articulation Matrix (PDF)
• Providence College Transfer Application Form (PDF)
• Transfer Scholarship Guidelines (PDF)

9. Contact Information

If you have additional questions, contact the appropriate office:

• CCRI Transfer Center
  Phone: (401) 5551234
  Email: transfer@ccri.edu
• Providence College School of Continuing Education Admissions
  Phone: (401) 5555678
  Email: admissions@providence.edu

The CCRIPCSCE Course Transfer Agreement reflects a shared commitment to student success, academic excellence, and regional workforce development. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, students can achieve their bachelor's degree goals efficiently and affordably.