JCC and SUNY Potsdam Announce Science Pathways for AS/BA and AS/BS Degrees

Jefferson Community College (JCC) and SUNY Potsdam are pleased to announce a new articulation agreement strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the North Country. 

The newly approved A.S./B.A. and A.S./B.S. programs in natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry can be completed in four years, allowing students to easily transition from earning their associate degrees from Jefferson to wrapping up their baccalaureate studies at SUNY Potsdam, while staying in the North Country region.

By matching coursework between JCC and SUNY Potsdam, the agreement is designed to guarantee college credits completed in Jefferson’s transfer programs are accepted at SUNY Potsdam, ultimately helping students maintain a direct college path to their 4-year institution without acquiring a surplus of credits unrelated to their 4-year program of study. 

Under the new pathway, JCC students who are completing their associate degree in natural sciences, with either the physical science concentration or the allied health and biological sciences concentration can receive guaranteed admission to SUNY Potsdam’s Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry or its Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. The program is designed so that students can complete all of the remaining coursework needed to wrap up their undergraduate studies within two years, with dedicated advising to ensure continuity. 

Jefferson President Daniel J. Dupee, II, says, “We are thrilled to offer our students and community this valuable pathway to advanced education in the STEM field. The articulation agreement with SUNY Potsdam not only enhances educational opportunities for JCC students but also reflects our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality academic pathways that support both personal success and regional workforce development. This partnership exemplifies our ongoing efforts to strengthen the educational landscape in the North Country and create a sustainable future for our students and the local community.”  

SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith says, “We at SUNY Potsdam are excited to expand our collaboration with Jefferson Community College through the establishment of this new articulation agreement. This initiative will enhance pathways in STEM fields across the North Country.  Jefferson graduates are exceptionally prepared for success, and we are thrilled to welcome them into our biochemistry and chemistry programs as they embark on impactful careers.”  

With employment of biochemists and biophysicists projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, this agreement comes at a crucial time for students pursuing careers in these fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also estimates that about 4,000 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.  

Both degrees prepare students for careers in biotechnology, analytical labs, chemical industry, pharmacy, patent law, forensic science, secondary science education, research and development, pharmaceuticals, medicine, medical and diagnostics lab work, and other scientific fields. 

Dr. Martin Walker, chair of SUNY Potsdam’s chemistry and biochemistry programs, says, “We’re excited to collaborate with Jefferson Community College's natural science programs. This partnership not only strengthens our campuses but also significantly impacts the North Country by providing students with seamless pathways to advanced degrees and rewarding careers in STEM fields.”  

SUNY Potsdam conditionally guarantees admission to all JCC associate degree graduates, along with the new chemistry/biochemistry pathway. 

In addition, SUNY Potsdam offers three baccalaureate degree programs fully in Watertown, thanks to the ongoing partnership.  JCC students can start their associate degrees and then transition directly into degree completion programs in either childhood/early childhood education (BA), early childhood education (BA), or in business administration (BS), all without leaving the Watertown campus. Furthermore, an articulation agreement established with SUNY Potsdam in October 2024 allows graduates of JCC’s healthcare management or human services program to transfer seamlessly into its bachelor's program in public health. 

Graduates of any of these programs can also receive automatic admission to SUNY Potsdam’s growing list of fully online master’s programs, including the Master of Science degree in public health. 

Prospective JCC students should contact the JCC Enrollment Services office at (315) 786-2437 or admissions@sunyjefferson.edu. Students should act now to start their free application for admission.  

Current Jefferson students interested in transferring to SUNY Potsdam can email transfer@potsdam.edu or call 1-877-POTSDAM, or contact the JCC Enrollment Services office at (315) 786-2437.  JCC students must meet SUNY Potsdam admission requirements. 

Learn more about JCC academic programs, transfer agreements and how to apply for admission. 

To learn more about SUNY Potsdam’s programs and partnerships with JCC.