MOBILE, Ala., November 18, 2024 – A specialized articulation agreement between Bishop State Community College and the University of South Alabama will provide a seamless pathway for culinary arts graduates to transfer associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management.
This agreement marks an important step in expanding academic opportunities for students interested in advancing their careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
A degree in hospitality and tourism management prepares students for a range of careers in the hospitality, tourism, and service industries by providing a mix of business, management, and customer service skills specific to sectors such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning, travel agencies, and tourism organizations.
Under the agreement, Bishop State students who complete an Associate in Applied Science degree in culinary arts can transfer up to 58 credit hours toward USA’s hospitality and tourism management program, which requires a total of 120 credit hours for graduation.
This credit transfer allowance ensures that Bishop State graduates enter USA’s program with a strong academic foundation, saving them time and resources as they work toward completing their bachelor’s degree.
“This agreement with the University of South Alabama provides our culinary arts graduates with an incredible opportunity to further their education and build a promising future in hospitality and tourism,” Bishop State President Olivier said. “This initiative also fosters collaboration between our institutions, benefiting students by reducing barriers in higher education.”
Dr. Khalilah Burton, Bishop State’s Vice President for Instructional Services, said this programmatic articulation agreement maximizes the number of credit hours a student can transfer, creating a seamless pathway for academic and career success.
“South Alabama is a leader in recognizing the quality education provided by an AAS degree and the significant impact the learned skills bring to the pursuit of a BS degree,” she said. “Together, we are committed to developing highly qualified graduates ready to excel in the hospitality and tourism industry."
The articulation agreement includes a program equivalency table that outlines specific transferable courses, ensuring students understand exactly how their credits apply to USA’s degree requirements.
"I am very pleased to announce an exciting new partnership between the USA Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program and Bishop State’s Culinary Arts program,” said Dr. Khal Nusair, USA professor and chair, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
“This agreement creates an easy and straightforward pathway for students to earn a B.S. degree in HTM,” he said. “I sincerely thank Chef Gabi Wilson and Dean Klaus Tenbergen from Bishop State Community College for their dedicated efforts in making this collaboration a reality."
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