Sussex County Community College, Ramapo College launch local teacher education pathway
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College and Ramapo College of New Jersey have announced a new transfer agreement that will allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education without leaving Sussex County.
Under the agreement, students will complete an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts at Sussex County Community College before transitioning into Ramapo College’s Teacher Education Program. Junior- and senior-level courses will be taught by Ramapo faculty on the SCCC campus, enabling students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education locally. Eligible students may also complete a Master of Arts in Special Education with an additional year of study.
“This is an important strategic partnership for our region,” said Dr. Cory Homer, president of Sussex County Community College. “When there is a workforce need or concern in our County, especially in education, the College will do whatever is necessary to address that need, and together with partners like Ramapo, we are creating meaningful opportunities for our students and our local school districts.”
The program follows a 2+2+1 model, allowing students to begin, continue and complete their undergraduate education in Sussex County. College officials said the structure reduces the need for long commutes or relocation while helping to lower overall education costs.
“This is a transformational moment for Ramapo College’s teacher education program,” said Dr. Adam Fried, assistant dean of teacher education at Ramapo College of New Jersey. “We now have an incredible opportunity to partner directly with school districts throughout Sussex County. Through our residency model, we can work closely with districts such as Newton and Sparta to prepare future educators for the communities where they are most needed. This creates a true pathway for Sussex County students to stay local, complete their bachelor’s degree, and move directly into teaching careers right here at home.”
Students who earn an associate degree at SCCC with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and meet admission requirements will be accepted as juniors into Ramapo’s program. During their third and fourth years, students will take Ramapo courses at SCCC while earning a bachelor’s degree awarded by Ramapo College of New Jersey.
According to Ramapo College President Dr. Cindy Jebb, the agreement reflects a broader vision for higher education collaboration in New Jersey.
“When we think about the future of higher education in New Jersey, it comes down to trust and strong relationships,” Jebb said. “Our relationship with Sussex County Community College is built on that trust, and it’s the glue that allows us to create innovative agreements like this one. More importantly, it allows us to think strategically about how we best serve students while strengthening the workforce in the communities we share.”
The program includes coordinated advising, waived application and deposit fees for transferring students, joint recruitment efforts and access to student services at both institutions. College officials said the partnership is designed to address New Jersey’s need for certified educators while keeping students connected to their local communities.
Students seeking more information about the elementary education pathway may contact Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator Vicki Vigorito at vvigorito@sussex.edu.
