Frequently Asked Questions

About the Articulation Agreements Between Lake Area Technical Institute and Bachelor Degree Programs

What does the term program-to-program articulation mean?

When a person graduates from a specific program at LATI that individual may utilize a program-to-program articulation agreement to apply LATI technical credits to a specific degree plan at SDSU. In addition to technical credits, selected general education classes may be used.

How does a program-to-program articulation agreement benefit me?

Every credit a student is able to apply to a Bachelor’s degree saves both time and money. With the cost of your college education including not only tuition and fees but books and living expenses as well, you could save more than $100 for every credit transferred!

Does the program-to-program agreement apply if I leave LATI before I graduate?

No. Students must have completed the LATI program before a program-to-program agreement can be used.

What if I completed a program at LATI, such as Agri-Business, and decide to pursue an unrelated major at SDSU, such as Elementary Education? Could I use the program-to-program articulation agreement?

The technical credits will only be transferred when the student is pursuing the programs detailed on the agreement listing. However, any transferable general education credits may still be applied.

How does the articulation work?

Your technical education credits transfer as a block. For example, if a student has graduated from the LATI Electronic Systems Technology program and attends SDSU majoring in Electronics Engineering Technology, 34 technical course credits automatically transfer. In addition, specific general education courses may be taken at LATI that also will transfer, increasing this number. In this case, well over three semesters of credits will transfer. Each specific agreement provides a list of the courses that will need to be taken at the university level.

Will the program-to-program agreement allow me to start at the university level at Junior status?

Some of the agreements do. Each agreement is different as the content of the LATI curriculum has specific elements needed for entry into the work force that may not be included in the university degree. Check the ARTICULATION AGREEMENT MASTER LIST on the LATI website for specifics.

Why would a student come to LATI first? Why not just start at the university level, if a Bachelor’s degree is the goal?

Everyone’s circumstances are different so each person has to make the decision that fits best for them. Many students want to explore their subject area in depth in the first two years of their post-secondary education, to make sure that is the right field of study for them. These students get that opportunity at LATI. Many students realize that they will need to work to finance their post-secondary education. If you graduate from LATI first, you can be employed at a much higher salary in your field of study while also working on your bachelor’s degree. In many cases, your employer will help pay for your college credits. That’s hard to beat!

What if I transferred several high school credits to LATI under the tech prep agreements? Will the program-to-program agreements include those?

If the credits transferred were technical credits, such as Machine Tool or Welding or Auto, they are included in the agreements. If the credits would be considered general education, such as computer classes, they are not included. Keep in mind, however, that if those credits were applied at LATI you saved tuition expenses. It all adds up!

I think I want to attend a university first. What happens if I transfer to LATI after one year of college? Can I still take advantage of the program-to-program agreements?

Sure! Many of the general education credits you take at the university level will enable you to take fewer courses at LATI. Once you complete your Associate degree, if you decide at that point that you wish to resume working on your Bachelor’s degree, you can utilize the articulation agreement. It works both ways!

Does Lake Area Tech have articulation agreements with other colleges and universities?

Yes, many…and the list continues to grow. LATI and SDSU have laid the ground work for the beginning of many agreements with the tech schools and public universities in South Dakota. The future of post-high education in South Dakota is exciting!