YORK, Pa. – York College and HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, will sign an articulation agreement on Aug. 20, 2015, that provides a pathway for hospitality students to earn an associate degree at HACC and a bachelor degree at York College.
 
According to the agreement, students who follow the prescribed York College bachelor degree requirements at HACC and have earned an associate degree in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher are assured admission to York College with junior-level standing. 
 
HACC’s HERSHA School of Hospitality and Tourism Management was established in fall 1966, and is endowed by HERSHA Hospitality Management, a leading hospitality management company in Pennsylvania. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Approximately 175 students are currently enrolled in HACC’s hospitality and tourism classes, which are either blended (online and on campus) or fully on-campus classes. These on-campus classes are offered at the Harrisburg Campus only, but the general education-required components are offered online, in blended format and at any of HACC’s five campuses.
 
“There were no baccalaureate degree programs within a 100-mile radius of HACC’s campuses until about two years ago when York College began offering hospitality and related programs,” said Michelle Myers, HACC department chair of business studies and associate professor of management. “Our students who want to pursue their baccalaureate degree in the same field of study must go to Philadelphia, Indiana University of Pennsylvania or Penn State-University Park in Pennsylvania, or travel to Rhode Island or Florida. The program at York College provides students with a closer option, tuition affordability and transferability of all HACC classes.”
 
York College’s hospitality management major was first offered in fall 2012. The 125-credit Bachelor of Science degree program is comprised of a rich and diverse blend of learning experiences inclusive of courses in communications, math, liberal arts, sciences and the business disciplines necessary for effective practice in the hospitality sector. Students complete 800 hours in a continuous internship program over their first three years, learning by doing it at local and regional tourist locations where they develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. They also take part in planning and executing events at the College, using state-of-the-art facilities to prepare for a career in an industry that is one of the nation's leading employers.

“The articulation agreement between our institutions builds a bridge and a clear pathway for hospitality graduates from HACC to seamlessly continue their studies toward the attainment of a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality management from York College of Pennsylvania,” said John Hughes, chair of the Department of Hospitality, Recreation and Sport Management at York.
 
About York College
A private college located in southcentral Pennsylvania, York College offers more than 50 baccalaureate majors in professional programs, the sciences and humanities to its 4,600 undergraduate students. The College also offers master's programs in business, education and nursing, and a doctorate in nursing practice. York College students enjoy a high-quality education that emphasizes practical application and a community invested in their success. The College provides a personal plan to help students focus their passions and attain their goals so they are prepared for a lifetime of meaningful careers – ready to meet the challenges of their profession and feeling confident and proud of their achievements.

About HACC 
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, offers more than 150 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to nearly 20,000 students at campuses in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York and through virtual learning. In addition, HACC serves more than 29,000 students in noncredit workforce development, public safety, adult basic education and continuing education programs offered at all campuses and off-site locations in many communities in Central Pennsylvania. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.