June 1, 2022 4:10 a.m.

Students interested in pursing a degree in psychology can now complete a bachelor of science degree on the Umpqua Community College campus, due to a new agreement between UCC and Bushnell University.

A UCC release said upon completion of an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree, students interested in completing a bachelor of science degree in psychology can seamlessly continue their studies without leaving Roseburg.

The agreement is the first of its kind for UCC and Douglas County. Past students have traditionally needed to either commute long distances or move out of the county, or take online classes to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The formalized articulation agreement will enable students to complete their AAOT at UCC and then continue their studies to complete a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Bushnell University while staying on the UCC campus.

UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said, “Giving our students the opportunity to get their bachelor’s at home in Douglas County allows them to stay and go to work doing what they love in the community they love”. Pokrandt said the school will continue to create opportunities like this in other academic and career pathways.

The release said Bushnell University is based in Eugene, but as part of the agreement, Bushnell faculty will teach live courses from the UCC campus, providing students with the same instruction they would get attending classes on the Bushnell campus.

Students in the program will also get the opportunity to participate in research practicums, internships and complete a senior capstone without leaving the county. Hybrid learning modalities, with some courses live and some online, will also be available. Doctoral-level faculty will provide instruction. Applications are being accepted for fall 2022 enrollment in the program at: https://umpqua.edu/