NDSU and North Dakota State College of Science have signed an agreement to establish a streamlined transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in Information Technology.
NDSU and North Dakota State College of Science have signed an agreement to establish a streamlined transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in Information Technology.
The partnership aims to provide students earning an Information Systems Administrator Associate of Applied Science degree at NDSCS with a direct transfer option into NDSU’s Information Technology Bachelor of Science program, strengthening workforce development in North Dakota.
"This new joint program offers technology-oriented students the best of both worlds, a 2-year practice-focused A.A.S. degree at NDSCS together with the rounded 4-year-level bachelor’s degree education that NDSU offers,” said Anne Denton, NDSU professor of computer science. “Building a 2+2 program on top of an A.A.S degree rather than an A.S. degree requires a lot more coordination, and NDSCS has been an amazingly effective and helpful partner in this effort."
This collaboration reflects the shared mission of both institutions within the North Dakota University System to create accessible, high-quality educational opportunities. Both NDSU and NDSCS anticipate increased enrollment and greater access to educational opportunities for students interested in IT careers.
“This articulation agreement is a significant step toward expanding educational access and meeting the growing demand for IT professionals,” said Alan Kallmeyer, interim dean of the College of Engineering at NDSU. “By providing a clear and efficient transfer pathway, we are enabling students to maximize their education and career potential.”
The demand for IT professionals continues to rise, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a much faster-than-average job growth in this sector between 2022 and 2032. North Dakota had 5,119 unique job postings for IT-related jobs last year. January of this year had more than 600 job postings in the discipline, underscoring the importance of building a highly skilled workforce.
"This partnership provides students with the opportunity to build on the strong foundation they receive at NDSCS and develop advanced technical and problem-solving skills that are crucial for success in the rapidly evolving IT industry. By facilitating a smooth transition from NDSCS to NDSU, we are ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the workforce," said Simone Ludwig, chair of the NDSU Department of Computer Science.
The articulation agreement is now in effect, and students currently enrolled in the Information Systems Administrator A.A.S. program at NDSCS are encouraged to explore this transfer pathway. The program at NDSU is available both in-person and online.
More information about the Information Technology Bachelor of Science program at NDSU is available at ndsu.edu/cs/current_students/undergraduate_programs/bs_in_information_technology/.
