Augusta University and Augusta Technical College team up for new Pathway Program

By Nicole Page | Staff writer

Augusta University and Augusta Technical College recently came together to launch a new Cybersecurity to Information Technology Pathway program for students at the Georgia Cyber Center. As of Aug. 16, 2021, students are able to complete both their associate and bachelor’s degree at the Georgia Cyber Center.

This new program allows students in ATC’s Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity a pathway into AU’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, according to Director for Undergraduate Studies Anthony Lawrence.

“Our new pathway program with Augusta Technical College will allow ATC students to advance and further their education in the growing fields of information technology and cybersecurity. The pathway provides an established process for ATC students to easily transfer into AU upon completion of their AA degree and continue on to complete a BS degree,” he said.

Through this partnership with the ATC cybersecurity program and the AU School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, students will get the opportunity to take on course articulation, challenge exams, program-specific academic advising at ATC as well as special transfer events at AU to prepare for completion of both degrees.

Many school leaders attended, including Augusta Technical College President Jermaine Whirl and AU’s Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Neil J. MacKinnon. Also in attendance were AU’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences Dean Alex Schwarzmann, Augusta Technical College Provost Melissa Frank-Alston, and Augusta Technical College School of Cyber and Design Media Dean Tammy O’Brian. These leaders are eager to introduce this program pathway to students in such a collaborative way.

All cyber students from Augusta University and Augusta Technical College will take their classes at the Georgia Cyber Center.

Augusta University and Augusta Technical College have made it a top priority to give their students the resources they need to be successful in the future. With this new program, it gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves, but also get the advisement that they need to thrive.

With the new collaborative system, students will get the chance to work with onsite internship coordinators to help them obtain internships with industry partners.

“The jobs market in IT and cybersecurity are extremely competitive, and we want to ensure students are well-prepared for success beyond their college careers,” said Lawrence.

Contact Nicole Page at npage@augusta.edu.