College Strengthens Ties in Computer Science with Area Universities
Posted November 14, 2016 at 8:52 am
Dr. Kevin Slonka, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has made great strides when it comes to the College’s Computer Science program and its ability to assist students wishing to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).
A recent addition to the existing transfer agreement between Penn Highlands and UPJ enables Penn Highlands’ students an affordable way to earn their Computer Science associate’s degree and then transfer to UPJ with Junior standing in either of their two Computer Science tracks. “This represents a major milestone for our Computer Science program,” commented Dr. Kevin Slonka, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Computer Science Program Coordinator at Penn Highlands.
Penn Highlands’ students from across the Southern Alleghenies region can now graduate with an associate’s degree in Computer Science and transfer seamlessly into Pitt-Johnstown for their bachelor’s degree. “We’re extremely excited to partner with the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to help local students receive the degree they want,” continued Dr. Slonka.
Dr. Slonka has also strengthened the College’s transfer relationship with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). While Penn Highlands’ graduates in Computer Science were already able to transfer to IUP, those students can now transfer with Junior standing into one of IUP’s four Computer Science tracks.
“The most exciting part of this new relationship is IUP’s designation as a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence,” explained Dr. Slonka. Under this agreement, students wishing to become cyber security analysts can transfer into the Information Assurance track at IUP.
Additionally, IUP has agreed to bring its expertise in this area to assist Penn Highlands in becoming an NSA Center of Academic Excellence as well. IUP Computer Science Department Chair, Dr. David Smith, noted, “Together, IUP and Penn Highlands are preparing the next generation of cyber security professionals for the workforce in government and industry. Our centers will mutually promote cyber security awareness by providing seminars, talks, summer camps, and other activities for our communities.”