For immediate release: March 20, 2009

BLOOMSBURG — Students who earn associate's degrees in exercise science-fitness leadership from Luzerne County Community College may move seamlessly into Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's exercise science bachelor's degree program under a new agreement between the two institutions.

According to Tom Martucci, assistant chair of BU's exercise science and athletics program, students who complete 61 credits at LCCC and receive associate's degrees in exercise science-fitness leadership may transfer to BU where, after completing 61 more credits including an internship, they will earn bachelor's degrees.

"This is ideal for students from LCCC," said Martucci, noting the proximity of the two institutions. "It also benefits Bloomsburg by bringing qualified students into our program."

"The opportunities for our students keep expanding each time we add new articulation agreements," noted Ed Gurtis, chair of LCCC's health, physical education and movement sciences program. "It is very important for our graduates to be able to transfer to a bachelor's degree program without losing credits."

BU has about 180 students enrolled in the exercise science bachelor's degree program, as well as graduate students who are pursuing master's degrees in exercise science or athletic training. Degrees in exercise science may lead to careers in education, corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, health care, sports medicine and research.

Representatives of BU and LCCC will formally sign the agreement Friday, March 27, at 1:30 p.m. in the President's Conference Room of LCCC's Campus Center, Nanticoke. The articulation agreement takes effect for students entering BU in fall 2010.

For information on the articulation agreement, contact Martucci at tmartucc@bloomu.edu or Gurtis at egurtis@luzerne.edu.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 8,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Professional Studies, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.