Today’s educational landscape offers a number of opportunities for non-traditional and independent learners, including transfer credits and self-paced course options. The downside, however, is that students may not know what courses to take to help with their chosen degree path.
To help, Houston Community College and the University of Phoenix partnered to develop new degree pathways and assist students in planning and optimizing their educational journey.
The Value of Degree Pathways
Sophia and institutions like Houston Community College and University of Phoenix are designed to help students access education more affordably and save time and money on their degree. Students can take equivalent gen ed courses at a lower cost – often on a schedule that works for them – and prepare to transfer to a four-year institution.
While some gen ed courses can be applied to virtually any degree as part of core learning, planning gen eds strategically may offer an advantage to students to get their degree faster (and possibly cheaper). However, students can be on their own in determining which courses they should be taking to get the most value out of their experience.
Houston Community College, the University of Phoenix, and Sophia worked together to develop and improve degree pathways. With a linear path, students understand exactly what courses will transfer into which programs, increase awareness about the benefits of transfer courses, and support students with their degree plans.
Degree pathways address this issue by packaging courses to help them plan their linear academic journey and take the most important courses in the right order. This is designed to enable seamless academic progression and a streamlined transfer process that promotes higher completion rates. Students have affordable options with transfer pathways to not only save time and money but reduce the likelihood of credit loss and wasted coursework.
For example, students can begin their education at Houston Community College, and with the help from Sophia to complete gen ed courses they can graduate with an associates degree before transferring to a four-year institution like the University of Phoenix.
Together, these schools and Sophia are removing barriers for adult learners, enhancing educational accessibility, and helping students realize their education and career goals.
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What Degrees Are Available with Degree Pathways?
The current degree pathways include Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM), Bachelor of Science and Information Technology (BSIT), and Bachelor of Science in Health Management (BSHM) from University of Phoenix.
Students can now follow a clear, defined transfer credit pathway for these degrees, complete gen ed coursework at Sophia and Houston Community College, and transfer into University of Phoenix to become part of the school’s career-focused alumni.
From collaboration with Houston Community College, Sophia offers gen ed courses as part of this degree pathway. Gen ed courses like humanities, college-level math, and foundational science courses may be part of these timely, structured, and seamless pathways to prepare for the degree programs at University of Phoenix.
Students have the option to enroll in Houston Community College full- or part-time, supplement coursework with self-paced Sophia courses, maximize their summer learning, and approach their education with more flexibility and control.
If you’re interested in learning more about these pathways, you can download the curricula from Houston Community College and the University of Phoenix.
While these pathways have been rigorously developed to assist students, it’s important to talk to your advisor or reach out to our Sophia learning coaches to discuss your education plans.
Explore the Degree Pathways!
At Sophia, we’re excited to be a part of this program to enhance educational accessibility and provide more meaningful experiences to students. For more information on the degree pathways and our partnership with these institutions, check out these details from Houston Community College and University of Phoenix!
*Students who complete Sophia courses and seek HCC transfer credit for such courses must (I) be enrolled at HCC as students in good standing and (II) meet course and program requirements. HCC will then award transfer credit under these conditions.
