BCC, Montclair University Promote STEM Careers for Students

Bergen Community College students that intend to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields will get an added boost to their education. The Community College recently signed an agreement with Montclair University to allow Bergen students who graduate with an associate's degree in STEM to transfer into Montclair State University's bachelor’s of science degree programs.

Bergen students with an associate's degree in the natural sciences or mathematics, biology or biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, information technology, physics or engineering science can transfer up to 60 credits to Montclair. Those credits could be used towards a bachelor's of science degree in either aquatic and coastal sciences, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, science informatics, geosciences, information technology, mathematics, molecular biology, physics, or a bachelor’s of arts degree in geography.

“This is an historic partnership for the College because it is the first time that we have signed a transfer agreement with a four-year university as part of the STEM grant,” said Dr. Walter, president of Bergen Community College “The faculty and staff at Bergen are doing a tremendous job in preparing our students for careers in the STEM fields. Currently our students are working on a series of exciting projects including a bio-diesel generator, solar panels, and an electric car.”

In 2011, Bergen Community College secured a $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund a five-year project to prepare science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students for graduation, transfer to four-year schools and entry to professional fields.

"I am very pleased with out continuing and growing partnership with Bergen Community College," said Dr. Susan Cole, president of Montclair State University. "One-third of the University's transfer students come from Bergen, and that amounts to approximately 550 students each year from Bergen.  The reason for that high number is that the University finds that the students from Bergen have received strong preparation, and, consequently, they succeed well in attaining their baccalaureate degrees at Montclair State."

Dr. Judith Fitzpatrick of Bergen Community College previously stated that students who graduate with a STEM degree are more likely to secure employment following graduation and will earn 25% more than their peers with a non-STEM degree.

The community college held its first annual Teen STEM Day in January to offer Northern New Jersey high school students the opportunity to learn about different STEM career paths.

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