UMass Global, OpenClassrooms streamline students' progress to information technology degrees

IRVINE, Calif. and PARIS (Jan. 7, 2022) –  University of Massachusetts Global and OpenClassrooms today announced a new credit articulation agreement creating a seamless pathway for students enrolled in OpenClassrooms’ information technology training programs to transfer to UMass Global and complete a degree. The articulation agreement will enable students who complete a competency-based program with OpenClassrooms to earn a college degree from a reputable U.S. university that offers transferring students the choice between competency-based and traditional credit-bearing online degree programs.

“We are thrilled to partner with UMass Global to empower students with skills in tech programs to boost their career development. Together, UMass Global's model and OpenClassrooms’ online educational model provide students with a unique career development opportunity. It’s a natural fit for both institutions to come together as we share the same vision of advancing human potential that will lead to job creation,” says Pierre Dubuc, co-founder and CEO of OpenClassrooms.

Under the new articulation agreement, students who have completed an OpenClassrooms’ fully online competency-based training program for web developers, data analysts, IT support technicians or digital project managers would earn nine credits that can be applied toward other UMass Global degrees including, but not limited to, UMass Global MyPath Bachelor of Science in Information Technology or the traditional credit-bearing Bachelor of Science in Computing Technology.

This new partnership will unlock job opportunities requiring a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for those who have lacked an efficient means to progress to full degree study.

“Irrespective of the products and services they offer to consumers, CEOs are often heard as saying that they view themselves as leaders of technology companies. With information systems functioning as the backbone of most companies, the demand for employees who know how to keep these systems running smoothly will assuredly remain strong,” said UMass Global Chancellor Gary Brahm. “This partnership delivers educational efficiencies for OpenClassroom students who are seeking such employment opportunities.”

About OpenClassrooms:

Established in 2013, OpenClassrooms has quickly grown to become one of Europe’s largest education-to-employment platforms with 355,000 students across 140 countries, thousands of full-time diploma students and hundreds of corporate customers, such as Capgemini, PwC, AXA, Amazon Career Choice, Deliveroo, Randstad, Dentsu, BNP Paribas, Societe Generale and more. It is a higher education institution accredited by the French state, issuing its own Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s level Diplomas and registered with the Board of Education in Paris, France. OpenClassrooms is a private, B-Corp certified distance-learning organization registered with the Board of Education in Paris, France. It operates a fully-online competency-based education model focused on vocational training in knowledge-economy fields - 600+ courses and 55 curricula in high-demand professions including coding, IT, product management, data management, marketing, communications, and UX design. The model blends top quality online coursework with one-on-one mentorship, project-based learning, career coaching, and a job guarantee.

About University of Massachusetts Global:
University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University) is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. An affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, UMass Global offers undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate programs designed to be relevant to more than 90 career paths. UMass Global serves nearly 23,000 students, about 16,000 of whom are enrolled in academic credit programs, at 25 physical campuses in California and Washington, as well as online. UMass Global offers fully online courses for students anywhere in the United States and for military personnel serving abroad. For additional information, visit www.umassglobal.edu.

Media Contacts:

Terri M. Carbaugh, UMass Global Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs: Carbaugh@umassglobal.edu

Andrew Edwards, UMass Global Senior Multimedia News Writer: Edwards1@umassglobal.edu

Roxana Popa, Open Classrooms Head of Business Development, United States: Roxana.Popa@openclassrooms.com