Nexus degree
A nexus degree is an undergraduate degree awarded in Georgia, United States, after a course of post-secondary study. It is a level of qualification with hour requirements comparable to an associate degree. However, it incorporates an internship or apprenticeship requirement as well as a number of upper-division specialization courses that are more typical for a bachelor's degree or master's degree. The nexus degree can serve as a first degree or a professional degree depending on the context.[1][2]
The nexus degree was introduced in the state of Georgia in 2020.[2] It is the first new accredited degree type introduced in the United States since associate degrees were first awarded in 1898.[3] It was designed to create more flexibility in higher education, compete with professional certifications and microcredentials, make career transitions easier, and offer more specialization for traditional students wanting to enter high-demand fields.[2]
History
[edit]The nexus degree was developed as part of the University System of Georgia's College 2025 initiative.[2][4] The initiative was launched in 2017 by USG chancellor Steve Wrigley. The goal of the initiative was to create a plan to address concerns about the costs and quality of higher education as well as how well a college education prepares students for the workforce. The solutions explored by the College 2025 initiative were based on the research of USG chief academic officer Dr. Tristan Denley.[2][5] To develop the new degree, the USG consulted and collaborated with university representatives, employers, and other stakeholders.[2]
In 2018, Albany State University and Columbus State University were approved to become the first two schools in Georgia to offer the new degree type.[4] Columbus State University began offering nexus degrees in Film Production and the Cybersecurity of Financial Technology beginning in January 2020.[6][7] Columbus State awarded the first nexus degrees in December 2020 to two film production graduates. [8]
In 2021, Georgia Gwinnett College offered its first nexus degree in professional sound design for film and television,[9] and in 2022, expanded its nexus degree offerings to add motion picture set lighting, production design, production for film and television, and professional editing in film and television.[10]
Structure
[edit]The nexus degree is designed to serve as both a standalone, two-year degree program and as a stackable credential, depending on the needs of the student.[1][3] Students pursuing a standalone degree are required to complete 42 general studies credit hours, 18 credit hours of specialized instruction, and six credit hours of paid internships or apprenticeships.[1] The nexus degree requirements may also be transferred to or stacked with a bachelor's degree curriculum without the need to repeat core credit requirements.[2][3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Academic Programs - Nexus Degree". University System of Georgia. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g St. Amour, Madeline (December 4, 2019). "Nexus Degrees in Georgia". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ^ a b c Kafka, Alexander (November 24, 2019). "New 2-Year Degree Promises Gen-Ed Basics and Fast-Track Career Skills". The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ^ a b Haynes, Jada (August 15, 2018). "ASU, Columbus State to offer nexus degrees". Albany Herald. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ^ "College 2025". University System of Georgia. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ^ "Nexus Film Production". 2019-2020 Academic Catalog. Columbus State University. Retrieved 2020-04-06.
- ^ "Nexus Cybersecurity of Financial Technology". 2019-2020 Academic Catalog. Columbus State University. Retrieved 2020-04-06.
- ^ "Columbus State University Holds First Drive-Through Graduation on Dec. 12". Columbus State University. December 14, 2020. Retrieved 2021-01-14.
- ^ "Programs of Study: School of Liberal Arts". 2021-2022 Academic Catalog. Georgia Gwinnett College. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
- ^ "Georgia Gwinnett College unveils four new, entertainment-related nexus degrees". Georgia Gwinnett College. Retrieved 2022-04-27.