Rutgers SPAA Offers Pathway to Master's Degree for Brookdale Community College Students

Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and Brookdale Community College recently signed a transfer articulation agreement that enables Brookdale’s A.S. Business Administration, A.A. Humanities, or A.A. Social Science degree holders to transfer seamlessly into a Bachelor of Arts in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Rutgers University–Newark.  

“We are thrilled about signing this agreement with Rutgers-Newark because it is unique and provides an excellent direction for our students,” said Brookdale’s executive director of Career & Transfer Pathways, Dr. Sarah McElroy. “In this agreement, students that choose a pathway option of psychology, sociology or anthropology in the humanities and social sciences programs will be able to continue their studies in the Rutgers University–Newark bachelor’s and master’s programs. The additional pathway to a master’s degree makes this agreement very exciting.” 

“Students may not realize that they can marry their passion with a profession," said associate dean of student and academic services of Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration, Aaron Gibbs. “For example, students studying Women in Gender Studies may want to go into development. We can make a great bridge to do that.” 

Since 2018, the Rutgers-Brookdale Partnership Program has been located in Larrison Hall at Brookdale’s main campus in Lincroft, NJ. This new articulation agreement requires students to complete their last 30 credits through courses offered by Rutgers University–Newark. In addition, the Rutgers University–Newark residency requirement may be satisfied by taking Rutgers University–Newark courses offered by other Rutgers units.  

In addition, students can apply for admission into the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program during the completion of their undergraduate degree. Upon admission, all accelerated MPA coursework used as the second concentration will count towards MPA program degree completion.  

As each student is unique, Brookdale’s advisors and SPAA will provide guidance and information about their individual transfer pathway. 

Students who are part of the Rutgers-Brookdale partnership will receive a Rutgers identification card and a NetID that provides access to all Rutgers facilities.  

For more information about the program, see Rutgers/Brookdale Partnership.