Unlocking Opportunities: How OCC and Stockton are Creating New Pathways for Arts and Humanities Students

Toms River, N.J. — Last week, Ocean County College (OCC) and Stockton University shook hands on new agreements aimed at helping students transition smoothly from associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees.

These agreements focus on students in the arts and humanities. If you earn an associate degree in areas like Music, History, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Design & Media, or Philosophy & Religion at OCC, you can easily continue your studies at Stockton. This means you can complete your four-year degree without the usual hassles of transferring.

Michael Palladino, Stockton’s provost, highlighted the importance of such pathways. He mentioned how the arts and humanities encourage creativity and critical thinking. “By facilitating these transitions, we are helping students reach their goals effectively and affordably,” he said.

The collaboration between OCC and Stockton has gained momentum thanks to the dedication of faculty from both sides. Their commitment to student success is crucial in making these transitions smoother.

Pamela Monaco, OCC’s president, echoed this sentiment. “These new pathways will remove hurdles for our students and help them advance their education seamlessly,” she said. "Collaborating with Stockton allows us to create more opportunities for our students."

Starting in Fall 2025, students can benefit from these new pathways. They’ll have direct options that may lead to a richer educational journey and valuable skills in various industries.

Recently, statistics from the National Student Clearinghouse show that many students struggle during transitions from community colleges to four-year institutions. Programs like this can significantly lower dropout rates. Research indicates that transfer agreements can increase graduation rates by up to 20% for students pursuing further education.

Moreover, in today’s fast-changing job market, skills from the arts and humanities are increasingly recognized for their importance in areas like communication, problem-solving, and creativity. Employers are looking for graduates who can think critically and adapt to new situations—qualities nurtured in these fields.

As this partnership takes shape, students are encouraged to reach out for more details. For more information, they can contact Ocean County College Admissions at 732-255-0482 or Stockton University Admissions at 609-652-4261.

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