HBCUs like Bowie State University are finding new ways for their students to expand their education outside the walls of their institution. A new agreement is allowing psychology graduate students to not only inch closer to completing their degree, but ensure they have the necessary education on issues like mental health. Learn all about it in the new release from BSU below.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP), a leading non-profit graduate and undergraduate institution devoted to psychology and related behavioral and health sciences, and Bowie State University (BSU), a top comprehensive university and one of the nation’s oldest historically Black colleges and universities, have signed an articulation agreement providing a new path to graduate school for BSU psychology students.

“This agreement opens doors to exciting new opportunities for our students who wish to pursue career positions that have become integral to our nation’s health care system,” said Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux. “We are excited to see what our graduates accomplish in collaboration with TCSPP as they enter an increasingly diverse – and competitive – workforce and become pillars of their communities.”

The agreement enables active Bowie State psychology undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses at the TCSPP Washington, DC campus, while completing their bachelor’s degree at BSU. The courses will count toward their BSU bachelor’s degree and their eventual graduate degree from The Chicago School. The articulation agreement between the institutions takes effect in time for the enrollment during the fall 2021 term at The Chicago School.

“I’m thrilled to be forging this partnership with Bowie State University,” said The Chicago School President Michele Nealon. “Working together, we can graduate generations of diverse professionals who can fundamentally improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the country.”

Active Bowie State student is defined as a student who has been identified as maintaining an active enrollment status under the 2021-2022 catalog requirements, as determined by BSU. Bowie State University students who are in good academic standing are eligible for admission to The Chicago School’s DC campus, and must earn the BSU degree within a year of conditional admission to The Chicago School. Students are also eligible for a one-time scholarship.

“We are excited about the unique opportunity that The Chicago School of Professional Psychology partnership affords our Bowie State University undergraduates in advancing their education and preparing them for success in the psychology profession,” said Dr. Cheryl Blackman, interim dean of Bowie State’s College of Professional Studies. “We look forward to the development of this partnership that will enable our students to realize their dreams of becoming licensed professionals and working with underserved communities.”

“The agreement between Bowie State University and our institution is a significant milestone,” said Dr. Paula Danquah-Brobby, chair of The Chicago School’s Applied Behavioral Analysis Department. “It will afford undergraduate students belonging to historically disenfranchised groups the opportunity to jump start their graduate school education and access careers in psychology and behavior health.”