Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Penn Highlands) have developed a unique partnership to offer an opportunity for eligible students to earn three college degrees in five years.
The Triple Degree Program offers students an associate, a bachelor’s, and a master’s degree through seamless pathways and by taking advantage of accelerated admission to both the bachelor’s and master’s programs.
To be eligible for the Triple Degree Program, students must be enrolled at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, have completed at least 30 college credits, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be in academic and disciplinary good standing, be recommended by Penn Highlands, and meet requirements for admission to aligning bachelor’s and master’s programs at IUP.
In the first year, there are 12 different pathways students may select, stemming from seven different programs at Penn Highlands. Each of the 12 pathways provides a seamless approach for students to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree at IUP after completing an associate degree at Penn Highlands.
“This student-centered pathway provides both affordability and an accelerated timeline for students to complete all three degrees,” IUP Executive Director of Graduate and Special Admissions Richard Muth said.
While earning an associate degree from Penn Highlands, students can apply and be admitted to both the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at IUP. Upon graduation from Penn Highlands, students can receive a bachelor’s degree from IUP in as little as two additional years while completing 12 master’s degree-level credits that count both toward the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“Not only does this allow students to complete three degrees in a very timely way, but students pay only bachelor’s degree level tuition rates for the 12 master’s degree credits, which saves more than $6,000,” Muth said.
In addition, students in the Triple Degree Program are eligible for up to $12,000 in financial incentives for program participation, including a $2,000 yearly scholarship for on-campus housing, a $2,000 yearly bachelor’s degree scholarship for up to two years of full-time enrollment, and a $2,000 master’s degree scholarship for one year of enrollment in at least six credits.
Students in the program also pay no application or enrollment deposit fees, Muth said.
“Penn Highlands is proud to partner with IUP to create an affordable, accelerated pathway that helps students reach their educational goals with clarity and confidence,” Dean of Student Engagement and Success at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Michelle Stumpf said.
“The Triple Degree Program reflects our shared commitment to student success by providing a seamless transition from an associate degree to bachelor’s and master’s degree opportunities, while ensuring students have the guidance and support they need every step of the way.”
“IUP remains committed to student success and to helping students to meet their academic goals,” Muth said. “Affordability is part of that commitment, as are innovative programs that meet the needs of students and prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills and education that employers—and our commonwealth—want and need,” he said.
The Triple Degree Program continues partnerships already in place between IUP and Penn Highlands, including a dual admissions program and a program designed to help students complete both associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in business through a seamless transfer of courses between Penn Highlands and IUP.
Under the dual admissions agreement, students enrolled at Penn Highlands who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree at IUP are given automatic acceptance to IUP, pending successful completion of all admissions requirements. No additional admissions application will be required for these students. In addition, students in the dual admissions program at Penn Highlands receive enhanced counseling, advising, and transition support services and full access to IUP’s resources, including housing, dining, the IUP Student Cooperative Association programs and facilities, the IUP Libraries, and IUP activities and events.
Since 2015, more than 315 students from Penn Highlands have transferred to IUP to complete their academic studies.
A complete listing of Penn Highlands associate degrees that lead to bachelor’s degrees at IUP is on the IUP website.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. IUP’s Impact 150 comprehensive campaign is designed to honor a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, public service, and leadership in healthcare education, including the first college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in the commonwealth.