An examination of academic success and employment rates of graduates of degree completion program (after college graduation) compared to direct entry students

Authors
Nipissing University
N. Brown
L. McAlear
Reference Number
2013-03
Date
Status
Abstract
Nipissing University’s Bachelor of Commerce College Partnership Program (BComm‐CPP) began in 2009 with three college partners – Algonquin College, Fanshawe College and Sheridan College. Since that time, the program has grown to include six college partners (at seven campuses). The most recent addition, Lambton College, was added in September 2013. The BComm‐CPP is a 90‐credit business degree designed specifically for graduates of three‐year business diploma programs from Nipissing’s partner colleges. With the marketplace increasingly demanding university credentials, the College Partnership Program (CPP) has a lot of potential for continued growth. Nipissing also offers a 120‐credit Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) on its main campus in North Bay, as well as the 90‐credit Bachelor of Commerce degree via distance learning (BComm‐Distance). The purpose of this study is to investigate the academic and professional success of graduates of the BComm‐CPP compared to that of graduates of Nipissing’s other business programs. Academic success is measured by grade point averages (GPAs), graduation rates and length of time to complete the degree. Professional success is measured by employment rates, annual income, length of time taken to find employment after graduation, and the relevance of employment to the program of study.