(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK – June 29, 2020) SUNY Empire State College today announced a new agreement allowing guaranteed admission of graduates from Finger Lakes Community College who have earned an associate degree in networking and cybersecurity to SUNY Empire’s new bachelor of science in security studies program. SUNY Empire’s bachelor of science in security studies will help prepare qualified professionals to meet the national and global security challenges of the 21^st century in high demand areas such as homeland security, emergency management, disaster relief, and law enforcement.

Accepted graduates of FLCC’s networking and cybersecurity program will bring their design, troubleshooting, and security skills to SUNY Empire’s program, the first fully online, accredited bachelor of science in security studies degree program within the SUNY system. Many FLCC students could complete their bachelor’s degree in about three years, saving them time and money on their education.

SUNY Empire and FLCC have enjoyed longstanding articulation agreements. Since 2013, 259 students have transferred from FLCC to SUNY Empire to study business, human services, science, math and technology. Today’s agreement, signed during a virtual ceremony, is designed to support transfer students during their transition to a baccalaureate degree program with an educational model that is flexible, affordable, and allows them to continue their education in the Finger Lakes community.

“As the world changes rapidly, we need qualified security professionals who can address the complex issues facing our communities today, from the threats posed by climate change to questions of privacy and security in a networked world,” said SUNY Empire President Jim Malatras. “This agreement between FLCC and SUNY Empire means students can complete their bachelor degree in this field faster and at lower cost, with a flexible online format built for busy lives. Thank you to President Nye and to our colleagues at Finger Lakes Community College for creating this new opportunity for their students.”

"Finger Lakes Community College faculty in networking and cybersecurity constantly monitor the industry and pursue advanced certifications to keep our curriculum meaningful and relevant,” said Finger Lakes Community College President Robert Nye. “Now, this agreement with SUNY Empire State College gives our well-prepared students a clear path to specialize and advance their skills. This is the strength of the SUNY system. It enables us to build pathways of opportunity throughout our state."

 The SUNY Empire and FLCC pathway also allows students to transfer as many as 79 lower-division credits to SUNY Empire, more than half of the 124 credits required to earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition to traditional transfer credit for courses completed at Finger Lakes Community College, SUNY Empire also offers the opportunity for students to earn college credits for work and life experience through its Prior Learning Assessment process, which will help to reduce the overall cost of the bachelor’s degree, and help graduates enter the workforce quickly, and without comprising their education.

To view photos from today’s virtual event, please click here.

About Finger Lakes Community College

Finger Lakes Community College is a place where opportunity awaits. It is a vibrant community that prepares students for lives and careers that are successful and fulfilling. At FLCC, you'll receive an affordable education that has so much to offer. You'll have opportunities to be involved in coursework, research, activities and student organizations. Your educational experience will challenge you to work hard, persevere, and be your best. FLCC is ideal for exploring your interests. It offers a variety of academic programs, and it is a hub for attaining knowledge and building skills. Together, the experiences you'll gain here will inspire you to achieve your future goals.

About SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College educates students at any stage of life with a personalized learning experience delivered online, in person, or a blend of both. Since 1971, SUNY Empire has empowered students to earn an accredited degree around the demands of a busy lifestyle to advance their personal and professional goals. With world-class faculty, more than 1,300 dedicated mentors to help students tailor their degree programs, and cutting-edge distance learning technology, SUNY Empire delivers a trusted and flexible online college experience grounded in more than 30 New York State locations and seven international sites where students can learn and collaborate in person. Our nearly 50 years as a leader in awarding credit for prior learning and life experience helps students earn a degree faster and at lower cost. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu.