Paving the way to a four-year degree

June 1, 2023 – East Tennessee State University and Asheville-Buncombe Technical College have joined forces in a new partnership, enabling students to seamlessly transition from A-B Tech's Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Technology program to ETSU's Bachelor of Science in Human Services program. 

The partnership will provide students who have completed a two-year degree at A-B Tech with an educational pathway to continue their studies as they work toward a four-year degree at ETSU.

A-B Tech’s two-year Human Services Technology A.A.S. degree prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies that provide social, community and educational services. Students work through a curriculum designed to provide them with core courses, and courses that prepare them for a specialization in specific human service areas.

Upon completion of a two-year degree, A-B Tech students now have the opportunity to continue their studies within ETSU’s Clemmer College Department of Counseling and Human Services.  

ETSU’s B.S. degree in Human Services is designed to provide a human, social and behavioral science background. The comprehensive program prepares students for a wide range of settings, enabling them to assist others through their developmental and contextual issues and processes.  

Dr. Phyllis Thompson, chair of Counseling and Human Services at ETSU, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "I am delighted about partnering with our colleagues in the community college system and especially our neighbors right over the mountain at A-B Tech. This partnership reflects the students we aim to support, will allow us to address degree completion gaps and will broaden horizons for all our students, offering them greater access to their educational and career goals and us more pathways to ensure their success."

Teresa Brooks Taylor, assistant professor in the Human Services Department also shared her excitement about the partnership, stating, “Human Services is excited to establish a formal partnership with Asheville-Buncombe Technical College to offer a smooth transition for students to attend East Tennessee State University as a Human Services major. We look forward to working with the students and college in continuing their career path in Human Services."

This partnership between ETSU and A-B Tech exemplifies the commitment of both institutions to support students’ educational and career goals. Students will have access to enhanced educational opportunities, hands-on experiences through service-learning hours and field experience that leads directly to professional training and employment.

“Our Madison County, North Carolina, students are looking forward to the opportunity to pursue additional educational opportunities in Human Services,” said Porscha Orndorf, Human Services program chair at A-B Tech. “We are delighted that our Human Services students will be able to seek a bachelor's degree in their field close to home.”

For more information on ETSU’s Human Services program, visit etsu.edu/coe/chs/humanservices or contact program coordinator Audrey Besch at 423 439-7692 or bescha@etsu.edu. To view the full agreement, please visit etsu.edu/articulation/agreements/abtech08-09.php.