Online Psychology Academy Provides Community College Graduates With Seamless Pathway to a Bachelor’s

Groundbreaking Collaboration Between CUNY SPS and Six Community Colleges Allows Associate-Degree Holders to Advance Their Education Without Interruption

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is partnering with six CUNY community colleges to provide associate-degree holders who majored in psychology or a related field with a seamless pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

This innovative collaboration, known as the Online Psychology Academy, will allow eligible graduates from the schools to be admitted into the CUNY SPS online BA in Psychology program without completing a transfer application. Additionally, even before students register, the Online Psychology Academy will ensure prospective students have an easy and supportive transition to CUNY SPS by inviting them to partake in a selection of engaging departmental programs and events.

The six schools partnering with CUNY SPS are Borough of Manhattan Community College; Guttman Community College; Hostos Community College; Kingsborough Community College; LaGuardia Community College; and Queensborough Community College.

In a signing ceremony held at the CUNY Central office this April, leaders of each school met to celebrate the launch of the Online Psychology Academy.

“The Online Psychology Academy offers a remarkable opportunity for community college graduates who have majored in psychology to continue their education in a convenient online learning format and without the burden of additional paperwork or fees,” said Dr. Lisa R. Braverman, dean of CUNY School of Professional Studies. “This wonderful partnership also signals a new era of collaboration between junior and senior colleges at CUNY, in which we are working closely together to address—and if possible, remove—the obstacles many New Yorkers face on their path towards a college degree through online degree study. I am very excited to join my colleagues today in commencing such an important and impactful initiative.”

"Providing students access to affordable baccalaureate degrees remains a top priority at Guttman,” said Dr. Larry Johnson, president of Guttman Community College. “Matriculation from two-year to four-year institutions can be a daunting task for those who are first-generation college students or from underserved communities. This agreement establishes a seamless transition that will serve to support students in achieving their academic and future career goals." 

"Queensborough is excited to be a part of a program that centers removing obstacles so students can successfully continue with their education," said Dr. Christine Mangino, president of Queensborough Community College. "This agreement supports our commitment to give our students access to seamless transfer opportunities after they have earned a degree with us."

Dr. Shiang-Kwei Wang, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Hostos Community College, also expressed enthusiasm for the new program. “I am pleased to announce our partnership with the CUNY School of Professional Studies through the Online Psychology Academy," Dr. Wang said. "This initiative is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, enhancing accessibility and creating a seamless educational pathway for our psychology students. It also reflects our commitment to student success and the strength of our partnerships within the CUNY system.”

Under the terms of the Online Psychology Academy agreement, eligible associate-degree graduates from the six community colleges who have majored in psychology or a related field will qualify automatically for admission into the CUNY SPS BA in Psychology program, and will be awarded up to 60 transfer credits towards the bachelor’s degree based on the current (Fall 2023) Psychology curriculum. To qualify, graduates must have maintained a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, be in good academic standing, and have a minimum grade of C or better in psychology and other courses as designated by their School. Graduates who meet these requirements will not need to complete a transfer application, but instead respond to outreach from the CUNY SPS Psychology program and Admissions Office indicating their intent to attend the following semester.

The CUNY SPS BA in Psychology online degree program focuses on the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. As part of their studies, students select one of three tracks for their advanced coursework: Organizational Psychology, Psychological Development, or Psychopathology. Through these tracks, students also gain a solid foundation in research methodology, motivation, learning, social behavior, and development that they can apply toward a variety of careers, as well as graduate work in psychology and related fields. 

Recognized continually for its quality, affordability, and accessibility, the CUNY SPS online BA in Psychology program has been ranked #8 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology programs for 2024, among many other accolades.

“I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome the hard-working and talented graduates from our fellow CUNY schools into our top-rated online BA in Psychology program, and provide the opportunity for them to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Carla Marquez-Lewis, academic director for the CUNY SPS Psychology program and lead for the Online Psychology Academy. "I am so grateful to all of my counterparts at the community colleges, who have been such wonderful partners in making this happen. I personally can’t wait to see what the members of our Online Psychology Academy class will achieve, both here at CUNY SPS and beyond.” 

About Borough of Manhattan Community College

Borough of Manhattan Community College is a diverse teaching and learning community committed to advancing equity and the intellectual and personal growth of students. Working to strengthen a culture of care inside and outside the classroom, we share a passion for learning with students from around the world. We strive to increase degree completion, successful transfer, career achievement and service and leadership within our community, New York City, and beyond.

About Guttman Community College

Stella and Charles Guttman Community College was CUNY’s first new community college in more than forty years. Reimagining what community college could be, Guttman opened its doors in Manhattan in August 2012 to create a research-based, innovative model focused on moving students efficiently toward graduation. Offering associate degree programs in a nurturing environment, the College’s three-year graduation rate consistently surpasses the national average, and most graduates transfer to senior colleges. Guttman is federally designated as a Hispanic-serving institution and minority-serving institution with more than 85% of the student population identifying as Latine or Black/African American. The College was named the best community college in America in 2020 and the top community college in New York State for 2020, 2021 and 2022 by Niche.com and other ranking agencies.

About Hostos Community College

Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change, transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. Hostos serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, and a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "student success coach" program, which partners students with individualized guidance, is emblematic of the premier emphasis on student support and services.

About Kingsborough Community College

Currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, Kingsborough Community College (KCC), located in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, became part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system in 1963. Our primary mission is to provide students with a well-rounded education, combining both liberal arts and career-oriented programs while fostering personal growth and community engagement.

About LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College is a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and is part of the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP). Located in Long Island City, Queens, and an institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), LaGuardia is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offers a welcoming environment for immigrants of all nations and individuals of all backgrounds. The College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of underserved populations. Since opening its doors in 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education. 

About Queensborough Community College

Queensborough Community College is New York State’s highest-ranked community college and one of the best community colleges in the United States, according to a 2023 report released by WalletHub.com. It is the sixth year in a row Queensborough has been listed as a top institution of higher education by WalletHub for its education outcomes, career outcomes, and affordability.  Queensborough was also ranked among the best community colleges in New York in 2024 by the on-line publication Intelligent, and number two in New York in 2024 by the online publication, Niche. These rankings reflect Queensborough’s commitment to developing students holistically in a nurturing and diverse environment that prepares them to be successful in a dynamic, global workforce.  

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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