Stories & Commentaries

Washington Adventist University and Howard Community College Sign Agreement

March 21, 2017 | Silver Spring, MD | North American Division

The agreement will help music students earn their bachelor’s degree.

Washington Adventist University (WAU) and Howard Community College (HCC) have signed an articulated agreement that will smooth the transition for community college students seeking a bachelor’s degree in music. Washington Adventist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, and Bachelor of Music in Music Performance and Music Education degrees.

“Our WAU mission and vision compel us to ‘engage minds and transform lives.’ Therefore, we are deeply pleased that, through this formal relationship with Howard Community College, this commitment is now more fully advanced,” said WAU Provost Cheryl Harris Kisunzu, Ph.D. "It is with rich anticipation that we look forward to the dreams of professional career advancement that will be realized through this partnership in ways that will enrich communities beyond anything that we can ask or think.”

Under the agreement, Howard Community College music students who earn an associate degree and have at least a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) will be guaranteed admission to WAU, transferring to a junior standing. In addition, application fees for HCC music students will be waived, and transfer advice and orientation will be provided. HCC students will also be eligible to compete for need and non-need based scholarships, including the Dean’s Scholarship awards of $3,000 annually for transfer students with at least a 3.2 GPA; and the Founder’s Scholarship awards of $1,500 annually for transfer students with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.19.

“I am delighted that Howard Community College is the first community college to have an articulated agreement with the Washington Adventist University Department of Music,” said James Bingham, Ph.D. and chair of the department. “We look forward to helping HCC students finish their four-year undergraduate degrees at WAU, and trust that there will be future dialogue when this University has the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree as part of its offerings. Dr. Meng, chair of the HCC Music Department, and I have promised to remain in close contact on all issues that could benefit both institutions.”

The Department of Music at Washington Adventist University offers students the opportunity to perform in a variety of venues across the globe. Such venues have included The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. WAU performance organizations include the Washington Concert Winds; Pro Musica; Columbia Collegiate Chorale; and the New England Youth Ensemble and Carnegie Scholars program.

For more information about the Washington Adventist University Department of Music, go to the website; or call 301-891-4000.

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