Through reverse transfer, hundreds of Blinn College students are earning associate degrees while attending four-year universities

1,199 Blinn students earned their associate degrees in 2016-17 via reverse transfer

August 15, 2017

Across the State of Texas, hundreds of students enrolled at four-year universities are earning their associate degrees from Blinn College, even though it often has been months or years since they took their last course at Blinn.

They are earning that degree through a simple process called “reverse transfer,” which allows former students who meet Blinn’s residency requirements to transfer credits earned at a four-year university toward their associate degree.

During the 2016-17 academic year, 1,199 students were awarded their associate degree via reverse transfer.

“I always wanted to get an associate degree from Blinn,” said Dr. David de Sousa, Assistant Director for the Halliburton Engineering Global Programs Office at Texas A&M University. “It was a very simple process and I am so glad I did it.”

De Sousa graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural development in 2004, and applied and earned his associate degrees in science and agriculture via reverse transfer in 2014. That same year, he also earned a doctoral degree from Texas A&M.

“A two-year degree definitely can open doors to career opportunities,” he said. “I often encourage transfer students to seek their associate degree. In many cases, a two-year degree can get students where they want to go. It is a marketable credential to have in their resume and curriculum vitae, giving students who possess it an advantage when applying for jobs.”

To be eligible for reverse transfer, students must meet Blinn’s residency requirements and fulfill all graduation requirements. To check eligibility, students can contact Graduation Coordinator Kristi Reddoch at kristi.reddoch@blinn.edu or 979-830-4174.

Blinn then will conduct a degree audit to verify the student’s eligibility. Eligible students may receive their degree with the next graduating class. If additional coursework is required, Blinn will inform the students which courses are needed to complete the degree.

“I encourage anyone who has come to Blinn to look over their transcripts and apply for graduation,” Reddoch said. “Sometimes life happens and students may not be able to earn their bachelor’s degree quite yet, but they may already have earned their associate and just didn’t know it. An associate degree is a great addition to any resume, regardless of a student’s education or career background.”

For additional information regarding reverse transfer, contact Reddoch atkristi.reddoch@blinn.edu or 979-830-4174.