A new partnership between San Mateo County College District (SMCCD) and the California State University system is allowing students to earn four-year baccalaureate degrees through community colleges.

The program began in 2001 at Canada College and has also been made available to students from Skyline College and College of San Mateo.

“It’s great for commuter students,” said Noelle Messier, 24, communications major and student assistant at the University Center at Canada College. “They can get the same degree without having to travel all the way to the university.”

Several SF State degrees are available through the program, and Cal State Monterey Bay has also made degrees available for students.

“You are able to earn your teaching credential from San Francisco State while attending Canada,” said Messier. “It’s so convenient.”

The University Center at Canada was designed to assist those who have full-time jobs, families and other responsibilities that inhibit them from commuting to SF State’s campus.

“I had no idea there were options like this,” said Chrissy Martin, 19, an SF State freshman and a liberal studies major. “The idea that you don’t have to commute to get the same education sounds like it would help a lot of people out.”

Canada College is the only school in California to have a university center.

Students can do virtually everything on the Canada College campus as long as they adhere to deadlines set by SF State. They are able to pick up their OneStop Card and take the JEPET on the Canada campus as well. They also receive all of the same benefits that SF State students have such as access to the J. Paul Leonard Library and the SF State Health Center.

“Students can get a degree from San Francisco State and not even step foot on campus,” said Martin. “I think that is a pretty good deal.”