Sussex County Community College and Ramapo College of New Jersey partner with new graduate degrees
NEWTON, NJ (Sussex County) — Sussex County students pursuing careers in social work, business, or education now have new, affordable pathways to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, thanks to a trio of agreements signed between Sussex County Community College (SCCC) and Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) this April at Ramapo’s Mahwah campus.
The new transfer articulation agreements establish three 2+2+1 academic tracks, allowing students to begin their studies at SCCC and ultimately earn a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), or Master of Arts in Special Education (M.A.S.E.) from Ramapo in as little as five years.
“This innovative partnership creates a powerful bridge for SCCC students—from associate to master’s degree—empowering students to complete a master’s degree through a structured pathway designed for student success,” said SCCC Interim President Cory Homer.
The new agreements provide students with a more affordable path to higher education by allowing them to complete the first two years of coursework close to home, saving significantly on tuition and commuting costs. Students then transfer to Ramapo College to complete their bachelor’s degree and, if they choose, move directly into a one-year master’s program.
“This agreement reaffirms Ramapo’s enduring partnership with Sussex County Community College, which is built on a shared commitment to student success and educational access,” said Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb. “By creating pathways for SCCC students to join Ramapo, we are not only honoring the hard work of county college students but also investing in the future leaders of our region.”
The partnership aims to reduce costs, eliminate redundant coursework, and help students stay on track for graduation. National studies show that students who transfer without clear agreements often lose 12–15 credits—roughly one full semester—costing $8,000 to $10,000 in additional tuition and time.
Details of the New Pathways
- Social Work Path: Students earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Human Services from SCCC, then a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) from Ramapo. They become eligible for the advanced standing M.S.W. track, which can be completed in one year. Field placements are available in Sussex County, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while giving back to their community.
- Business Path: Students complete an A.S. in Business Administration at SCCC, transfer to Ramapo’s AACSB-accredited Anisfield School of Business for a B.S., and then pursue an M.B.A.—all within five years. Ramapo’s business faculty are active researchers committed to innovative, hands-on learning.
- Teaching Path: Students earn an A.A. in Liberal Arts from SCCC, then a B.A. in Elementary Education at Ramapo, followed by a Master of Arts in Special Education (M.A.S.E.)—also within five years.
Students also have the flexibility to pause between earning their bachelor’s and master’s degrees or opt out of the master’s track entirely if they choose.
These new pathways build on a strong relationship between the two institutions. In 2023, SCCC and Ramapo launched a 3+1 Bachelor’s Degree Program allowing students to stay on the SCCC campus through their third year while taking Ramapo courses, then complete their final year at Ramapo. That program offers a savings of about $7,000 compared to traditional transfer options.
For more information about the new 2+2+1 pathways or the 3+1 program, prospective students are encouraged to visit sussex.edu/ramapo.
