Social: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
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
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Academic Programs - Nexus Degree". https://www.usg.edu/academic_programs/nexus_degree. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 St. Amour, Madeline (December 4, 2019). "Nexus Degrees in Georgia". Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/12/04/georgias-public-colleges-soon-will-be-offering-new-form-two-year-degree. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Kafka, Alexander (November 24, 2019). "New 2-Year Degree Promises Gen-Ed Basics and Fast-Track Career Skills". The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/New-2-Year-Degree-Promises/247600. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Haynes, Jada (August 15, 2018). "ASU, Columbus State to offer nexus degrees". Albany Herald. https://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/asu-columbus-state-to-offer-nexus-degrees/article_e24f9d61-6a4b-54f7-ba82-e511cca48bba.html. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ↑ "College 2025". University System of Georgia. https://www.usg.edu/college2025/. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
- ↑ "Nexus Film Production". Columbus State University. https://academics.columbusstate.edu/catalogs/current/reqs/coa_nexus_filmprod.php. Retrieved 2020-04-06.
- ↑ "Nexus Cybersecurity of Financial Technology". Columbus State University. https://academics.columbusstate.edu/catalogs/current/reqs/cobcs_nxcybersec.php. Retrieved 2020-04-06.
- ↑ "Columbus State University Holds First Drive-Through Graduation on Dec. 12". December 14, 2020. https://news.columbusstate.edu/columbus-state-university-holds-first-drive-through-graduation-on-dec-12. Retrieved 2021-01-14.
- ↑ "Programs of Study: School of Liberal Arts.". Georgia Gwinnett College. https://catalog.ggc.edu/.
- ↑ "Georgia Gwinnett College unveils four new, entertainment-related nexus degrees" (in en). https://www.ggc.edu/about-ggc/news/News/georgia-gwinnett-college-unveils-four-new-entertainment-related-nexus-degrees.
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