Partnerships
Agreement Makes Transferring to William Peace University Easier
New "Peace Pathway" Enables Wake Tech Students to Earn Bachelor's Degrees Faster
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 7, 2023) – Fifteen new and revised articulation agreements between Wake Tech Community College and William Peace University (WPU) makes it even easier for students to finish their bachelor's degrees, officials said today.
The agreements create a high-value path for graduates of Wake Tech to maximize the number of credits that transfer via their Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
The new "Peace Pathway" creates a smooth transition from Wake Tech to WPU in a variety of program areas, such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Simulation and Game Development, Web & UX Design, Health and Fitness Science, Paralegal Technology and more. With the Peace Pathway, some Wake Tech graduates will be able to complete a bachelor's degree in less than two years, saving them time and money.
Wake Tech transfer students can now easily transfer their work, said WPU President Brian C. Ralph.
"We know that pursuing a bachelor's degree means more time and money for those who are ready to get started on their career," Ralph said. "That's why we're making WPU the area's most transfer-friendly university."
WPU has long honored Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees from any North Carolina community college, but AAS degrees were traditionally designed for immediate employment.
The Peace Pathway updates nine existing AAS agreements to reflect new curriculum launched this Fall, creates six new options for AAS degree graduates at Wake Tech and highlights multiple options for students with AA or AS degrees to earn a bachelor's degree, explained Lynda Szymanski, vice president of Academic Affairs at WPU.
"Our new curriculum is centered on immersive learning, the type of active learning that leads to a deeper understanding of course material and enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills – all of the skills we know employers are looking for. In short, we are living out our mission to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow, and we are excited to have more options for Wake Tech students to join our community."
Peace Pathway features
- WPU accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Students need 120 credits to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
- WPU offers scholarships specifically for Wake Tech students, making the university an affordable option for Wake Tech graduates. Total costs could fall below $12,000 annually after federal and state financial aid.
"Not only are they often paying less than they would at some other universities, where they will likely take longer to graduate, but students can get out into the workforce and start earning a salary that much sooner," Ralph said.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls said he is thrilled to have WPU as a partner.
"William Peace University has long been a strong transfer partner with Wake Tech, and we're excited to strengthen that partnership with the Peace Pathway," said Ralls. "At Wake Tech, all degrees – even our technical degrees – are transferrable, so our graduates can always climb the ladder and advance in their career with greater knowledge and skills. You help our students, who become your students, become our community's breadwinners and contributors back to this community."
Peace Pathway degree options
- Wake Tech AA and AS degrees – all WPU degree programs
- Wake Tech AAS programs
- Business Administration
- General Business concentration – BA, Business Administration*
- General Business concentration – BS, Business Administration
- Human Resources Management concentration – BA, Human Resource Management*
- Marketing concentration – BS, Marketing
- Business Analytics – BS, Business Analytics
- Criminal Justice Technology – BA, Criminal Justice*
- Health and Fitness Science
- BS, Exercise and Sport Science
- BA, Sport and Fitness Studies
- Paralegal Technology
- BA, Criminal Justice*
- BA, Political Science
- BA, Pre-Law
- Simulation and Game Development
- Art and Modeling track – BA, Simulation and Game Design
- Programming track – BA, Simulation and Game Design
- Web Developer – BA, Interactive Design
- Web & UX Design – BA, Interactive Design
- Business Administration
*Available for both traditional undergraduate and WPU's School of Professional Studies online programs
