Bay College, Lake State Sign Computer Networking Agreement

Students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer networking have a clear transfer pathway with Bay College and Lake Superior State University’s (LSSU) updated transfer agreement.

Students will earn an associate of applied science in computer networking systems and security at Bay College and transfer seamlessly to LSSU’s School of Computer Science and Mathematics in Sault Ste.  Marie to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer networking in two additional years.

Recognizing the educational and economic development needs of the citizens of Delta County, Bay College and LSSU have partnered together since 1989, offering local bachelor degree programs and clear transfer paths to degrees in Sault Ste. Marie.

“Bay College is excited to maintain our partnership with LSSU in the Computer Networking area,” states Mark Highum, Dean of Business and Technology. “We are happy that this new partnership of a 2+2 will make for a smoother transition and better experience for transfer students.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Network and Computer Systems Administrators position requires a bachelor’s degree, and administrators earn an average of $80,600 per year. While the expected job growth rate from 2020-2030 is below the average for all occupations, roughly 25,000 openings per year are projected for network and computer systems administrators as workers are exiting the labor force due to retirements or occupation transfers.

Network majors can also progress in their career to work in network information security roles where the job growth outlook is 33%, much faster than the average, and median wage is $102,600 per year.

“This new articulation agreement will make it easier for students from Bay College to transition to LSSU,” adds LSSU professor Evan Schemm, Chair of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics. “It seamlessly takes Bay’s two-year associate degree and meshes it to the requirements for LSSU’s four-year bachelor degree. Students will be able to concentrate on the requirements at each institution, with LSSU’s bachelor’s degree building upon coursework and labs…