From left, Dr. Don MacMaster, ACC president, Amanda Campbell, ACC history instructor and social sciences department chair, Joshua Adams, CMU College of Liberal Arts and Social Science manager of recruitment and community relations, Richard Rothaus, CMU dean of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

ALPENA — Alpena Community College (ACC) is launching new partnerships with Central Michigan University (CMU) to establish 2+2 degree pathways in psychology and political science, according to an ACC press release on Friday.

ACC stated that these articulation agreements with CMU will allow students to complete the first two years of coursework at ACC and then finish the final two years of their bachelor’s degree through CMU.

“These agreements expand affordable and accessible opportunities for students pursuing careers in psychology, political science, public policy, public administration, civic leadership, and related fields,” ACC said in the release.

According to the release, both pathways will allow students to remain in the Alpena area while completing upper-level coursework. Although students will be enrolled at CMU for the final two years, the programs offer options for instructional formats–including face-to-face courses, video conferencing, and online classes–as well as new financial aid opportunities to support degree completion.

“As a Psychology Instructor at ACC, I’ve seen firsthand how motivated our students are to continue their education beyond the associate degree. Many are balancing work, family responsibilities, and often long commutes,” Dr. Amber Mclarney-Vesotski, ACC psychology and sociology instructor, said in the release. “I wanted our students to have a clear, affordable roadmap to a bachelor’s degree in psychology without having to leave Northeast Michigan or sacrifice their current commitments. This partnership removes barriers and gives our students a direct, high-quality option for continuing their education.”

ACC explained in the release that ACC students have expressed interest in continuing their studies at CMU due to its reputation in the behavioral sciences. ACC also explained that local employers — particularly in human services, healthcare, and mental health — continue to report a growing need for professionals with psychology backgrounds, many of which require a bachelor’s degree.

“This agreement directly supports both student goals and regional workforce needs, strengthening ACC’s connections with the Northeast Michigan community,” ACC stated.

“Like so many occupations that require a steady pipeline of educated professionals to keep our economy and society functioning at their best, access pathways like this make it possible for students to achieve beyond their immediate horizons,” Tim Kuehnlein, ACC political science instructor, said in the release. “Providing students in local, rural communities with the opportunity to start here and go anywhere is strengthened by partnerships like this 2+2 with CMU.”

According to ACC, the political science articulation agreement responds to ongoing workforce and civic sector needs across Northeast Michigan. Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public service institutions, policy analysis groups, and community development organizations consistently report the need for individuals with strong political science training–credentials that often require a bachelor’s degree.

“The ACC/CMU partnership strengthens the regional talent pipeline while supporting student advancement and community development,” the release stated.

Currently, ACC offers one political science transfer pathway, the Associate in Arts (AA), designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field.

ACC also offers two psychology degree pathways, which include an Associate in Arts (AA) and an Associate in Science (AS).

According to the release, the articulation agreement applies specifically to students in the AA program. While the AS degree is typically intended for students pursuing research or medical-related fields, the AA degree is designed for those planning to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related discipline at a four-year university.