Middlesex College students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in select early education programs are now eligible for seamless transfer to Kean University as part of a new partnership agreement between the two institutions.
The partnership will allow students looking to obtain a degree in Elementary Education K-6 with Endorsement in Teaching for Students with Disability (TSD), Early Childhood Education P-3 with Endorsement in TSD, or Elementary Education Option in Bilingual Education Certification K-6 to transfer seamlessly. The agreement creates a pathway by reducing credit loss, delays and unnecessary costs as students move toward certification.
“Middlesex College is thrilled for this partnership with Kean University, making it smoother than ever for our education students to achieve their goals,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “Providing accessibility and support to our students is essential to our mission, and we look forward to this agreement benefiting so many of our students in their journey to become educators.”
The agreement was reached through collaboration of faculty and staff from Middlesex College and Kean University, where they met to discuss standards of curriculum and grade expectations. These standards, such as a minimum 3.0 grade point average, ensure that Middlesex College students are fully prepared to meet the academic excellence that is expected of students at Kean to become well-trained educators.
“As New Jersey’s urban research university, Kean’s Carnegie R2 designation is more than a credential; it is a commitment to providing every student access to high-impact academic discovery,” said President of Kean University Lamont O. Repollet.
“By formalizing this partnership with Middlesex College, we are ‘anchoring down’ to create a seamless, equitable pathway for students to transition from associate to baccalaureate degrees without the traditional barriers of cost or credit loss. We are proud to stand with Middlesex College to strengthen our region’s workforce pipeline and ensure that the next generation of innovators and changemakers has a direct route to a world-class education at Kean.”
This mutually beneficial agreement provides Middlesex College graduates a route to complete their bachelor’s degree at Kean University, a top choice among education students. While Kean will welcome well-prepared transfer students ready to succeed. Removing these barriers amid New Jersey’s ongoing teacher shortage is also a win for local schools and communities.
“This articulation partnership with Kean University creates a clear, supportive pathway for our education students — one that reduces uncertainty, saves time and cost, and allows them to move forward with confidence toward a bachelor’s degree,” said Dionne Miller, Middlesex College vice president of academic affairs. “Most importantly, it affirms our shared commitment to preparing future educators who are well equipped to serve our schools and communities.”
