(Black PR Wire) Representatives from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh have signed an Articulation Agreement to provide highly focused, high-achieving Cheyney University students with the opportunity to apply and be accepted into the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN) and provisional acceptance into the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program (PhD) at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Robert M. Dixon, Interim Provost at Cheyney University, noted, “Baccalaureate-degree prepared nurses are and will remain in high demand well into the future. The Cheyney University – University of Pittsburgh program in Nursing affords students an opportunity to pursue a career in nursing. It also provides an attractive recruitment option for students who want this career option and the experiences of attending the nation’s first educational institution for African Americans. We are pleased to work with the University of Pittsburgh and we shall strive to make this program successful.”

Cheyney students accepted into the Accelerated BSN Program at Pitt can complete the program in one year, or three consecutive terms, if they have satisfied approved prerequisite/foundation course requirements. The Accelerated BSN curriculum combines rigorous academics and state-of-the-art clinical practice experiences in a research-intensive setting. Under the agreement, at least four Cheyney students are guaranteed seats in the program each academic year.

“We are delighted to partner with Cheyney University to open opportunities for nursing education among their graduates,” stated Dr. Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, Dean of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. “Qualified Cheyney graduates may enroll in our nursing program for graduates of baccalaureate programs in other disciplines with the chance to continue on in graduate education. Our faculty will provide supplemental advisement counseling for interested students there.”

Cheyney students can satisfy the prerequisite admission requirements for Pitt’s Accelerated BSN program as long as he or she has earned a grade of B or better in the equivalent course at Cheyney. Students have up to five years from the time that they graduate from Cheyney University to take advantage of the pact.

“The agreement between Pitt and Cheyney to allow CU graduates into Pitt's accelerated BSN and accelerated BSN to PhD programs has been in the works for quite some time," explained Dr. Adedoyin Adeyiga, Professor of Chemistry at Cheyney University. "The exciting element for me is the fact that, as a department (Natural and Applied Sciences), we have an opportunity to increase our current 6.37 PhDs per 100 BS degrees granted, a number which leads all PA State System universities.

“Also this agreement presents us with an opportunity to recruit future nurses to start their undergraduate careers at CU with the promise that, if they do well, they can conclude their educational careers at the University of Pittsburgh. I am especially pleased that this agreement opens a new line of opportunities for both faculty and students of CU. I am confident that we will implement this joint agreement successfully and I look forward to similar partnerships with other institutions.”

May 2016 graduates are the first Cheyney University alumni eligible to apply under this agreement, allowing them to matriculate at the University of Pittsburgh this Fall.

Students interested in enrolling in the program must apply to Cheyney University and enroll in classes including English Composition, General Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Human Anatomy/Physiology 1 & 2, Human Genetics, Human Growth and Development, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Statistics and Pathophysiology at Cheyney University, and complete a Bachelor’s degree at Cheyney University.

Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for their undergraduate work and submit an official transcript. Applicants should submit results of GRE exams taken within the last five years which are competitive and consistent with admission requirements at the University of Pittsburgh BSN program. Evidence of an ability to communicate in writing, including an essay which addresses goals and focal area of research and a second writing sample are also required.

Also under the agreement, University of Pittsburgh will guarantee at least one seat each academic year in Pitt’s Accelerated BSN to PhD track program for qualified Cheyney graduates. Applicants will be evaluated individually by the PhD Council, and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher from a bachelor’s program and be interviewed, have three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s capacity and potential for doctoral study. Two references should be from academic sources and one from a recent employer.

Dr. Tara Kent, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the Keystone Honors Academy, is the liaison between Cheyney University and University of Pittsburgh. She will work closely with the Assistant Dean for Student Services at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.

A liberal arts university, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania hosts signature programs such as the Keystone Honors Academy, the Call Me MISTER teaching program, the Aquaculture Research and Teaching Laboratory and the accredited Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management program.

Recognized as the first institution for higher learning for African Americans, Cheyney University has been educating students for 179 years. The University offers baccalaureate and graduate degree programs at two locations, Cheyney and Philadelphia, PA – Center City. For more information, please visit our website, www.cheyney.edu