Earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in informatics at the 51视频 at Lafayette is as easy as 2+2.
LSU at Eunice graduates can apply course credits earned there toward completing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in informatics at UL Lafayette. Administrators from both institutions signed a transfer agreement Thursday that will be in effect for the Fall 2019 semester.
Informatics is applied computer science. It examines how individuals interact with and share information. Informatics students learn to design and adapt information systems to solve problems that arise in the workplace and in everyday life.
Under the 2+2 plan, students complete 60 credit hours in two years at LSUE to earn an associate degree. Those credits then transfer to UL Lafayette, where the student accrues another 60 hours over two years to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree from its . Undergraduate degrees require at least 120 credit hours to complete.
LSUE and UL Lafayette have existing transfer agreements in biology and . Dr. Joseph Savoie, the University鈥檚 president, said the latest pact 鈥渟trengthens an already strong collaboration with LSUE. It also underscores that the University is serious about its role in supporting Louisiana鈥檚 emergence as a technology hub.鈥
鈥淭op tech companies regularly recruit graduates from our informatics and computer science programs because the University has a record of providing exceptionally educated professionals with the agility to navigate this rapidly changing field,鈥 Savoie said.
Dr. William Crowe, LSUE鈥檚 interim chancellor, said the agreement 鈥渋s exactly the kind of transfer relationship our students are looking for and what they deserve.鈥 He added the 鈥渃lear, affordable path toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree鈥 strengthens graduates鈥 long-term earning potentials.
鈥淏y enabling LSUE graduates to continue their educations at UL Lafayette, we enhance their ability to provide a good living for themselves and their families,鈥 Crowe said.
Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh is dean of , which includes the School of Computing and Informatics. He noted the University offers Louisiana鈥檚 only master鈥檚 degree in the discipline in addition to an undergraduate degree in informatics.
鈥淭his is an extraordinary opportunity for LSUE graduates to join our informatics program and complete an undergraduate degree in a timely manner. With diplomas in hand, they then can pursue a master鈥檚 in informatics here or enter the workforce,鈥 Ackleh said.
The transfer agreement鈥檚 signing comes less than two weeks after the state announced a $1.25 million economic development grant to the School of Computing and Informatics. The funds will support a pipeline of talent between the University and tech companies such as Waitr, CGI, Perficient and Enquero. Each has offices in Lafayette.
Dr. Michael W. Totaro, an associate professor who coordinates the informatics master鈥檚 degree program, said LSUE students who transfer to UL Lafayette will benefit from the state grant, which will be used to enhance academic programs and create certification options.
鈥淚ndividuals trained in applied computing fields such as informatics are essential to the health of Louisiana鈥檚 tech sector. This agreement with LSUE will also help increase the number of STEM graduates, whose skills and training touch so many facets of everyday life,鈥 Totaro said.
Dr. Renee Robichaux, LSUE鈥檚 vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, noted that growth in the state鈥檚 tech economy mirrors an increase in computing jobs nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment opportunities in the field will grow at an above-average rate over the next decade.
鈥淭he development of the transfer agreement between LSUE and UL Lafayette took the vision and dedication of faculty and administrators from both institutions. This agreement will be vital in providing needed expertise for tomorrow鈥檚 workforce,鈥 Robichaux said.
At LSUE, students will take courses in computer information technology, natural sciences, mathematics, and general education courses in English, history and literature. Once enrolled at UL Lafayette, students will take advanced courses in informatics, computer science, mathematics and statistics.
Visit for more information on the University鈥檚 bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs in informatics.
Photo caption: Administrators sign a transfer agreement Thursday that will enable LSU Eunice grads to apply course credits toward earning a bachelor's degree in informatics at UL Lafayette. From left are Dorothy McDonald, dean of LSUE's Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology; Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh, dean of UL Lafayette's Ray P. Authement College of Sciences; Dr. William Crowe, LSUE's interim chancellor; Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president; and Dr. Jaimie Hebert, University provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. (Photo credit: Doug Dugas / 51视频 at Lafayette)