Collin College graduate Alfredo Galvan knows how to save time and money. He found an efficient pathway to earn a Collin College associate degree and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Galvan optimized his educational experience by utilizing the 2+2 model, a seamless transfer plan developed for students to begin their higher education at community colleges and complete their final years at universities.

In high school, Galvan knew he wanted to become an engineer, but he couldn’t decide between electrical and mechanical engineering.

“At Collin when I took math classes that focused more on electrical, then I knew that was the career for me,” Galvan said. “I already had a pathway, and by a certain date I had to choose this way or that way based on my top two university choices. By my third semester at Collin, I decided UTD was the best for me. I saved money by taking classes at Collin and then transferring.”

Collin College’s new strategic plan will add more 2+2 agreements which enhance the student transfer experience.

According to Dr. Cameron Neal, associate provost of instruction at the Collin Higher Education Center (CHEC), the 2+2 agreements are like road maps.

“Many students are undecided about their future,” Dr. Neal said. “After they discover what they are interested in, the 2+2 model will give them a guideline to finish efficiently, so they don’t spend unnecessary time or money.”

Dr. Neal added that the mindset regarding workforce Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Texas is changing.

“An AAS degree will help you get a job, but a bachelor’s degree will help you move into management,” he said. “Now, students have more options. In addition to the traditional Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees leading to Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, Collin College has many pathways from an AAS degree to a bachelor’s degree, some of which even allow students a full three years at Collin and one year at the university.”

According to Jamie Mills, director of academic partnerships, another great feature is that students can take classes from Collin College’s university partners at the CHEC or online.

“Collin College has 2+2 agreements with close to 20 institutions and offers close to 100 pathways,” Mills said. “Making transferring easier for students is our main goal.”

To view pathways and search by college or areas of interest, visit www.collin.edu/transferu.