Chatt Tech and GHC leaders sign articulation agreement

Chattahoochee Tech and GHC Launch Transfer Pathway to Support Environmental Workforce Development

Chattahoochee Technical College and Georgia Highlands College have established an articulation agreement that creates a seamless transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in environmental science and natural resource management.

Under the new agreement, students who complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Science Technology at Chattahoochee Tech can transfer at least 53 credit hours directly into the GHC Bachelor of Science program in Environmental and Natural Resources. The articulation agreement was designed to minimize any loss of credit and course duplication, making the transfer process more efficient for students.

Both Chattahoochee Tech and GHC serve vital roles in preparing students to meet the region’s growing environmental workforce needs. To formalize their partnership, officials from both colleges gathered at the Chattahoochee Tech North Metro Campus in Bartow County on Thursday, Oct. 9, to sign the articulation agreement.

“This partnership strengthens opportunities for students looking to enter or advance in Georgia’s environmental workforce,” said Chattahoochee Tech President Heather Pence. “Together, our colleges are helping students build meaningful careers that contribute to the health and sustainability of our communities.”

The articulation agreement provides students with a streamlined path to build on the hands-on training they receive in the Chatt Tech Environmental Science Technology program. From collecting stream samples and testing infiltration rates to working in state-of-the-art labs, Chattahoochee Tech students receive practical training that translates directly to the workplace in areas such as water treatment operations. The curriculum also includes Geographic Information Systems training to assess environmental risks.

Through the transfer pathway, students can continue their education at GHC with advanced coursework in ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Launched in 2023, the GHC bachelor’s program combines classroom instruction with real-world field and lab experiences. Students are prepared for careers in environmental science, wildlife biology, conservation, and natural resource management.

The articulation agreement between Chattahoochee Tech and GHC is part of a statewide initiative between the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia to create strong transfer pathways that expand access to bachelor’s degree programs for technical college students.

For more information about the associate degree program in Environmental Science Technology program at Chattahoochee Tech, visit: www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/EnvironmentalTechnology

To learn more about the Georgia Highlands College bachelor’s degree program in Environmental and Natural Resources, visit: www.Highlands.edu/Academic-Programs/Bachelor-Science-Environmental-and-Natural-Resources/

Shown in the photo above, l-r, are Dr. Sarah Coakley, GHC Provost; Dr. Mike Hobbs, GHC President; Heather Pence, Chattahoochee Tech President; and Jason Tanner, Chatt Tech Executive Vice President for Instruction. They signed the articulation agreement creating a seamless transfer pathway from Chattahoochee Tech’s Environmental Science Technology program to GHC’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources.

Shown, l-r, are Jason Christian, GHC Dean of STEM; Dr. Sarah Coakley, GHC Provost; Dr. Mike Hobbs, GHC President; Heather Pence, Chatt Tech President; Jason Tanner, Chatt Tech Executive VP; and Chatt Tech Associate Deans Stephen Anderson and Tamika Brundidge.