Ocean County College OceanViews Magazine 2026 Summer-Fall - Flipbook - Page 5
YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS
STARTS HERE.
N E W ‘ P A T HWAY S’
to Student Success
Beginning in fall 2026, Ocean County College
will launch the Pathways model, a redesigned academic framework that reimagines how students explore programs, select
courses and connect their education for
future success. Grounded in the nationally
recognized Guided Pathways model, the initiative is designed to provide students with
greater clarity, structure and support from
their first semester through graduation.
Pathways represents a significant step in
OCC’s ongoing commitment to student success. Under the new framework, all degree
and certificate programs are organized into
nine areas of study, making it easier for students to explore academic interests, choose
a direction, and stay on track toward completing their degree.
For many students, selecting a major and
navigating course requirements can feel
overwhelming. The Pathways model simplifies that process by providing a clear starting point and a structured roadmap that
connects academic choices with transfer
opportunities and career outcomes. “Ocean
County College is committed to creating
an educational experience that supports
students every step of the way,” said OCC
President Pamela Monaco. “Pathways will
help students explore their options while
providing the structure and guidance they
need to move forward with confidence.”
Through this redesigned framework, students
will begin their academic journey within one
of nine areas of study: Business; Behavioral
Science and Public Service; Science; Computer
Science; Math and Pre-Engineering; Health
Sciences; Humanities and Cultures; Media,
Communication and Design; and Fine and
Performing Arts. These broad academic
groupings allow students to start within a field
that reflects their interests while maintaining
flexibility as they refine their academic goals.
Within each area of study, students will begin
with a common first term, a carefully designed
first-semester experience that allows them to
explore related disciplines while completing
courses that apply across multiple majors.
This approach ensures that exploration does
not delay progress toward graduation.
As students advance in their studies, they
will also have access to defined concentrations within degree programs that align with
transfer institutions and high-demand career
pathways. These concentrations provide
focused academic direction while maintaining adaptability within each area of study.
Pathways also incorporates several best
practices associated with the Guided
Pathways model, including curriculum
maps that outline clear course sequences,
proactive advising structures that support
students throughout their academic journey and ongoing data-informed improvements to strengthen outcomes.
While the model reorganizes academic
offerings into a more streamlined framework, college leaders emphasize that the
initiative represents much more than a
structural change. “This is about improving the student experience,” said James
Marshall, executive director of Curriculum
and Academic Assessment. “By reducing
confusion, minimizing unnecessary credits
and strengthening connections between
education and career goals, Pathways helps
students stay focused on achieving their
academic and professional aspirations.”
Visit the OCC website at ocean.edu for additional information about the nine areas of
study and how this new approach will support student experiences and future success.
Ocean Views
5
