Parallel Programs

Students have the option to transfer to a university after
attending Sinclair Community College with the Parallel
programs offered on campus. “A parallel program is any of
the degrees that end in the AA or AS category,” Karla Knepper, senior academic advisor and communication faculty member, said. She said university parallels are set up so that students are able to get their educational classes that
are required for a bachelor’s degree out of the way, while also taking a few classes geared toward their major. In taking advantage of this option, it can set a student up to transfer as a junior to the college of choice. Knepper also said parallel
programs are generally less hands-on and more academic based. “It’s great for students who want to transfer on to a university –“It’s great for students who want to transfer on to a university they get a lot of general education courses out
of the way at the Sinclair level for the Sinclair cost,” she said.
Some parallel programs also have articulation agreements. An articulation agreement is when two or more institutions, such as Wright State University and Sinclair, work together and decide on which classes will transfer when the time comes to get a bachelor’s degree. “I always recommend that
if a student is planning on transferring, that they work
backward,” Knepper said. “Go to the transfer school and find out what you want and then come back to Sinclair.” In knowing which electives the university requires for a certain degree before transferring, you can set yourself up for success by taking the general education classes needed
before stepping foot into a university. She also said that the advisors can be very informative when knowing where you are planning to attend, because they will be able to help you pick classes that transfer. However, if you are a student who is unsure of where you are going, advisors will pick the most common classes that usually transfer to a four-year school.
“If you don’t know where you are going to transfer—because certainly that’s a big decision, we have some general ideas about some basic courses that are commonly accepted,” she
said. There are 21 degrees available that are parallel, including those such as: Associate of Arts in Science,
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Biology, Business Administration, Engineering, History, Modern Language,
Multimedia Journalism and Theater Technology. A program has to meet the general education requirements set by the Ohio Transfer Module, before it can become parallel. “It’s a combination of 36 hours of English, math, natural science, social and behavioral sciences and arts and humanities,” she said. For those students who want to go out of state, it is
advisable that they also talk to the university they plan
to transfer, to see what kind of educational requirements
there are, according to Knepper. “I think a lot of students
come in and don’t really know the difference between
the degrees,” she said. “But once we kind of explain
the intent of the parallel program, and the intent of the
applied program, students appreciate the opportunity.”
Knepper encourages students to always bring
questions about the transfer process when meeting with
an advisor to get a better grasp on what it means to be
a transfer student. Those with applied degrees
like Visual Communication, for example, differ from
parallels in where all the classes taken are ones that
apply to their major and are meant for work placement
immediately after graduation. However, transferring is not
out of reach. “With an applied degree like Vis Com, they would be taking a bunch of Vis Com classes and a few general
education—it’s not set up as a seamless transition,” she said. “They can still transfer, but the process is a little bit
different.” For more information on the different Articulation
Agreements between Sinclair and other colleges,
visit sinclair.edu/transfer/ schools/agreements/. Knepper also said that there are transfer advisors from other colleges on
campus at different times throughout the year. For
more information on the colleges coming to campus, visit sinclair.edu/services/ advising/college-visits/.
“Research transfer programs and transfer colleges,” she said. “Look to see what program you are interested in and if the
particular college has what you are looking for.” To schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, visit the front desk in Building 11 room 346, or call (937) 512-3700.