A nexus degree is an undergraduate degree awarded in Georgia, United States, after a course of post-secondary study. It is a level of qualification with hour requirements comparable to an associate degree. However, it incorporates an internship or apprenticeship requirement as well as a number of upper-division specialization courses that are more typical for a bachelor's degree or master's degree. The nexus degree can serve as a first degree or a professional degree depending on the context.^[1][2]

The nexus degree was introduced in the state of Georgia in 2020.^[2] It is the first new accredited degree type introduced in the United States since associate degrees were first awarded in 1898.^[3] It was designed to create more flexibility in higher education, compete with professional certifications and microcredentials, make career transitions easier, and offer more specialization for traditional students wanting to enter high-demand fields.^[2]

History

The nexus degree was developed as part of the University System of Georgia's College 2025 initiative.^[2][4] The initiative was launched in 2017 by USG chancellor Steve Wrigley. The goal of the initiative was to create a plan to address concerns about the costs and quality of higher education as well as how well a college education prepares students for the workforce. The solutions explored by the College 2025 initiative were based on the research of USG chief academic officer Dr. Tristan Denley.^[2][5] To develop the new degree, the USG consulted and collaborated with university representatives, employers, and other stakeholders.^[2]

In 2018, Albany State University and Columbus State University were approved to become the first two schools in Georgia to offer the new degree type.^[4] Columbus State University began offering nexus degrees in Film Production and the Cybersecurity of Financial Technology beginning in January 2020.^[6][7] Columbus State awarded the first nexus degrees in December 2020 to two film production graduates. ^[8]

In 2021, Georgia Gwinnett College offered its first nexus degree in professional sound design for film and television,^[9] and in 2022, expanded its nexus degree offerings to add motion picture set lighting, production design, production for film and television, and professional editing in film and television.^[10]

Structure

The nexus degree is designed to serve as both a standalone, two-year degree program and as a stackable credential, depending on the needs of the student.^[1][3] Students pursuing a standalone degree are required to complete 42 general studies credit hours, 18 credit hours of specialized instruction, and six credit hours of paid internships or apprenticeships.^[1] The nexus degree requirements may also be transferred to or stacked with a bachelor's degree curriculum without the need to repeat core credit requirements.^[2][3]

References