By Lookout Staff

May 28, 2014 -- For years, Santa Monica College has been the top community college in the State for transfers. Now, thanks to “an unprecedented opportunity,” students can embark on a direct path to a Master’s Degree.

Under an agreement signed Tuesday, SMC will be the US partner and host for an international pilot study program that features classes at schools in Asia, at SMC and at the renowned Bath Spa University (BSU), based in Bath, England.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for SMC students to receive a top-level education seamlessly, from their first year in college all the way to a Master’s degree,” said SMC President Dr. Chui L. Tsang.

“And with the chance to study at campuses on three continents, SMC students benefit even more by enhancing their awareness as global citizens.”

The SMC-BSU Program was developed over the past two years as a cooperative effort with BSU and Singapore-based Training Vision Institute Pte Ltd (TVI).

“Being asked to be part of this program is a real honor for SMC,” said Teresita Rodriguez, SMC’s vice president of Enrollment Development. “It recognizes us for our international academic reputation, the strength of our academic programs and faculty, and our standing as an innovative institution.”

After a foundational year in Asia, students in the program will attend classes at SMC for two years. Courses will focus on organizations and the business environment, economics and globalization, international business, marketing and information and operations management, in addition to some general education coursework.

Students will then transfer to BSU, where they will study business strategy, creating and developing a business and cross-cultural communication. They will also conduct independent research in international business. The program will lead an MA in International Business.

There are plans to expand the program into other fields of study, college officials said..

Beginning in Fall 2014, SMC students who qualify can join the program. Scholarships of up to $10,000 are available on a limited basis to SMC students.

Bath Spa University, a designated Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), has earned the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for the past two years.

“This is a rare and rich opportunity for students to study under three different education systems, while immersing themselves in diverse cultural, social, and economic environments,” said Jeremy White, BSU’s director of International Relations.

For more information about the SMC-BSU program, call (310) 434-4774.