For The Catholic Messenger
St. Ambrose University (SAU) in Davenport and Loras College in Dubuque signed five new articulation agreements last month to expand the growing partnership between the two institutions. The agreements will result in students earning undergraduate degrees at one college/university and a master’s or doctorate degree at the other.
“These agreements will reduce costs for students while also helping them to enter the workforce sooner,” Loras College Provost Donna Heald said
The first agreement offers the opportunity for Loras students to earn a bachelor’s and doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) degree in six years, one year less than typical, through a 3+3 dual degree program.
A pair of 4+1 agreements in the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP) and Master of Social Work (MSW) allow students to earn an undergraduate degree from Loras before attending SAU. In the MSEP program, students can transfer up to six credits to SAU toward their degree.
For the other agreements, students pursuing a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) or Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) will pursue undergraduate coursework at SAU before transitioning to Loras for the graduate degree. The CMHC degree requires the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree at SAU and three years at Loras, with qualified students earning the credentials necessary for mental health licensure in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.
“SAU’s unique approach to person-centered health services is a direct reflection of our commitment to continuously adapt and evolve to better serve our students and our community,” said Paul Koch, St. Ambrose University provost and vice president of academic and student affairs. “We are proud to partner with Loras College to create accelerated pathways that not only increase access to education, but also deliver effective solutions that meet critical healthcare needs in our region.”
These new agreements follow a 3+2.5 Doctor of Physical Therapy announcement in March between the two institutions.
