DEARBORN, Mich. May 26, 2010 — The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and The University of Phoenix have reached an agreement that will provide holders of SME certifications with articulation credits toward their college degree. This will enable them to expedite their time towards a degree through a prior learning assessment, saving them as much as an entire semester in courses.
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that the more you learn, the more you earn and the less likely you are to be unemployed," says Joseph L. D'Amico, president & COO, Apollo Group Inc., University of Phoenix. "Our Prior Learning Assessment enables students to save time and money to complete their degree program and increase their ability to advance in their career."
The Prior Learning Assessment process applies to associate's or bachelor's degree candidates and awarded credits are limited to elective or general education requirements. To be eligible for this credit, individuals need to be admitted and matriculated and will need to have received and approved all the necessary transcripts and paperwork.
"We are thrilled to provide our certification holders with these credits," said Pam Hurt, strategic alliances and workforce development manager, SME. "Many manufacturing practitioners found themselves downsized out of jobs during the recent economic crisis and turned to programs such as SME certification to provide them with twenty-first century skills. Now, not only will their certification make them more desirable to potential employers, but they're also that much closer to that all-important degree."
The University's Apollo Quick List (Pre-Evaluated Training List) contains professional certificates and licenses that have been pre-evaluated for college-level equivalency. SME is part of a select group of organizations recognized by the University as providing key competencies required to warrant these college credits.
Hurt adds, "For individuals trying to determine if certification is right for them, adding the value of college credits to the equation makes their decision that much easier. It's a win-win situation for their career in both the present and future state."
Credits awarded are:
- Certified Manufacturing Technicians (CMfgT) will receive 13 credits
- Certified Manufacturing Engineers (CMfgE) will receive 15 credits
- Bronze Lean Certification Holders will receive 5 credits
- Silver Lean Certification Holders will receive 7 credits
- Gold Lean Certification Holders will receive 9 credits
For more information about SME's Certification program, visit www.sme.org/certification and for additional information about The University of Phoenix's Learning Assessment Program, visit http://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/prior_learning_assessment.html.
About SME:
Founded in 1932, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events and activities, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, motor vehicles, including motorsports, oil and gas and alternative energy. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has members around the world and is supported by a network of technical communities and chapters worldwide.About The University of Phoenix:
University of Phoenix builds relationships with corporations by providing working learners with globally competitive skills, empowering companies to achieve their goals. In conjunction with their comprehensive degree offerings, the University created accredited programs aligned with industry and corporate objectives, maximizing the benefits of educational investments. Visit www.phoenix.edu for more information.NOTE TO MEDIA: Visit the new SME Media Center for the latest Society news, one-stop access to SME Events, Manufacturing Quicklinks, SME social media sites, RSS feed and more.
