UOG, GCC renew 2+2 Computer Science Pathway for 5 more years

With rapid digital transformation and emerging technologies impacting nearly every industry, graduates with computer science degrees are increasingly in demand. Employers are seeking skilled professionals in software development, IT support, and cloud computing and increasingly more in the areas of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“The students from this program are getting hired and making productive use of their degrees — and this is exactly what we were hoping to see with this partnership,” said Leslie Aquino, chair of UOG’s Division of Mathematics & Computer Science. “The GCC students are coming to us with the type of skills the industry wants — hands-on knowledge and strong programming skills. Then UOG adds to that with upper-level courses that teach complex problem-solving skills.”

Many of the pathway students opt to add a cybersecurity management minor once at UOG, Aquino said, which further strengthens their resume and employability.  

 

Affordable, accessible, and supportive

Students who take advantage of the GCC-to-UOG pathway can complete their first two years at GCC at a lower cost, with courses that articulate directly into UOG’s Computer Science program. This pathway also guarantees that students are well-prepared to finish their degree programs at UOG.

“Our collaboration with UOG is designed to ensure that students receive a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible,” said GCC President Dr. Mary Okada. “Students can begin their academic careers in a supportive environment and transition smoothly to UOG, ready to complete their bachelor’s degree.”

Students who opt for this pathway can be confident in the education they receive, as all GCC courses are designed to meet the rigorous academic standards required by UOG.

The transfer program has contributed to a five-fold increase in the number of computer science majors in UOG’s bachelor’s program — from 15 declared majors in 2022 to 96 in 2024. Computer science is now the second most popular major after biology within UOG’s College of Natural & Applied Sciences.

“This program is a powerful example of how UOG is building capacity and creating a pipeline in our region for high-demand fields like digital technology, cybersecurity, and computer science,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. “By creating a clear, supported pathway from associate to bachelor’s degrees, we’re not only adding value to graduates entering the workforce, but we’re also creating lasting public value for the community.”

   

Adding to the 2+2 portfolio

The University of Guam holds 2+2 pathway agreements in other subject areas as well:

• A 2+2 program for agriculture was launched last December between UOG and the College of Micronesia-FSM.
• A 2+2 program for criminal justice between UOG and Northern Marianas College has been in place since 2019.
• A third 2+2 program at UOG starts in UOG's Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program and students then transfer into the Mechanical Engineering Program at University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Enriquez said the program model can be applied to even more degree programs in future, bridging regional colleges with UOG and providing residents in the region an efficient pathway to attaining a higher level degree.

“In particular with some new programs that will be coming from our School of Engineering, we anticipate that there is potential for more pipelines,” she said.

 

Interested in a computer science degree?

According to ByoungYong Lee, an associate professor of computer science at UOG, the computer science field is a great fit for those who are logical and persistent problem-solvers and creative thinkers.

Residents interested in pursuing a degree in computer science have the option of an associate degree at GCC, a four-year bachelor’s at UOG, or a combination of the two through the 2+2 pathway.

To inquire about admission to GCC, call (671) 735-5531 or visit www.guamcc.edu/admissionsprocess. For admissions to UOG, call (671) 735-2204 or visit https://riseabove.uog.edu.