Articulation Agreement | Northern Essex Community College Associate of Science: Fall 2023 - Fall 2027

Articulation Agreement between Northern Essex Community College Associate of Science, Computer and Information Sciences: Information Technology Option Computer and Information Science: Networking and Security Option and the UMass Lowell Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Fall 2023

This articulation agreement has been established between Northern Essex Community College (NECC) and the University of Massachusetts Lowell Kennedy College of Sciences and the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies.

Students completing the Associate in Science in Computer and Information Sciences: Information Technology Option, or the Associate in Science Computer and Information Sciences: Networking and Security Option at Northern Essex Community College, in accordance with the minimum standards as set by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, will be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Degree at the University as juniors. Students who do not meet the minimum standards will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

OBJECTIVES:

  1. To encourage the transfer of qualified students from Northern Essex Community College to UMass Lowell.

  2. To award academic credit for courses completed for the associate degree toward the requirements for the bachelor’s degree as stated in this agreement.

  3. To provide students with accurate and clear information regarding the transfer of their coursework and credits to UMass Lowell.

TERMS OF THE ARTICULATION AGREEMENT:

  1. UMass Lowell guarantees the acceptance of students who complete one of the associate degree programs at NECC with an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program at UMass Lowell. All bachelor's degree candidates are required to earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in their UMass Lowell courses, to present a minimum of 120 credits, fulfill the residency requirements, conform to the general regulations and requirements of the University, satisfy the regulations and academic standards of the colleges which exercise jurisdiction over the degrees for which they are matriculating, satisfy the curriculum requirements established by the departments or programs in their major, and complete the University's Core Curriculum requirements, which are listed within the program's curriculum outline.

  1. This agreement acknowledges the transfer of credit as stipulated in the attached Program of Studies and requires the completion of the associate degree. UMass Lowell may accept courses taken beyond the associate degree (20 courses); however, students are encouraged to contact the advisor within the program department for approval.

  2. UMass Lowell normally requires that 50% of the major is completed in residence.

  3. Students transferring from NECC will be subject to all general education requirements at UMass Lowell as set forth in the UMass Lowell catalog. Students interested in participating in this agreement should be advised to take the suggested liberal arts courses. These courses are required at UMass Lowell and students are advised to complete them as a part of their associate degree. Students meeting the requirements of the General Education Foundation Courses (formerly known as the Mass Transfer Block) will be deemed to have completed the

    University’s Core Curriculum Requirements but will be required to meet any specific Information Technology Department general education requirements.

  4. This document is based upon the evaluation of course descriptions presented to UMass Lowell. Courses listed in this agreement will transfer provided a grade of “C- “or better has been earned. Where a student has successfully completed the Mass Transfer Block at NECC, it will be honored by UMass Lowell.

This agreement shall remain in effect for a period of three years from the date the agreement is signed by both parties, with the provision that the terms specified herein will continue to apply to students admitted from NECC, within one year of the expiration of the agreement. Each institution agrees to provide timely notice to the other in event of any modification to the curriculum that might affect compatibility for admission and transfer of coursework. This agreement may be terminated with notice if curriculum requirements change at either institution. This agreement may be replaced by mutual consent of both institutions at any time and the terms of that agreement will replace those in this agreement. Students admitted to the associate degree program prior to notification of termination or execution of a replacement agreement shall be admitted to UMass Lowell based on this agreement.

For a complete copy of this articulation agreement, please contact the UMass Lowell Office of the Provost.