The School of Diplomacy and Borough of Manhattan Community College Establish a Strategic Transfer Partnership

The School of Diplomacy and International Relations is proud to announce a new partnership with the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), which has established a streamlined transfer pathway for undergraduate students transitioning from BMCC’s Liberal Arts program into Seton Hall’s Diplomacy and International Relations bachelor’s degree program.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was the result of discussions among Dean Courtney Smith, Associate Dean Martin Edwards and BMCC staff, culminating in a signing by Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Erik Lillquist during a visit to BMCC on November 19, 2025.

True to its motto, “Start Here. Go Anywhere,” BMCC serves as a vital Minority and Hispanic-Serving Institution for the New York City community and surrounding areas. The college is committed to student achievement, providing the resources needed to turn dreams into reality through accessible, high-quality education. At its core, BMCC cultivates a “culture of care” that extends beyond the classroom, sharing a global passion for learning with its diverse student body.

Daniel H. Katz, Ph.D., director of BMCC’s Office of Global Initiatives, emphasized the importance of this alliance, describing the articulation agreement between BMCC and Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations as a “transformative partnership.” According to Katz, “BMCC students now have a unique pathway for onward studies in Diplomacy at a leading institution with a distinguished history at the nexus of theory and practice.” He added, “We look forward to advancing this exciting collaboration.”

In practice, this agreement simplifies the academic trajectory for aspiring diplomats at BMCC, providing a direct pathway to complete their degrees at Seton Hall. To facilitate a seamless transfer, Seton Hall will waive application fees and most university core requirements, granting BMCC graduates a full 60 credits if they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The partnership further prioritizes accessibility by offering exclusive tuition scholarships to students who meet specific eligibility criteria. By aligning foundational coursework in economics, statistics and foreign languages, the agreement ensures that students enter Seton Hall with junior-year status, ready to complete their degree in just two additional years.

This new articulation underscores Seton Hall’s commitment to cultivating a diverse student community and fostering the next generation of qualified professionals in International Relations. Emphasizing the strategic importance of this partnership, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Erik Lillquist remarked, “We’re delighted that the MOU will streamline a pathway for transferring into the School of Diplomacy and International Relations. At this time, we need global cooperation more than ever and we’re excited to inaugurate this important partnership.”

The Seton Hall School of Diplomacy and International Relations and the Borough of Manhattan Community College stand united in their mission to advance equity, promote academic excellence and cultivate the next generation of global leaders. Through this collaboration, both institutions are empowering students to become change-makers ready to promote a significant impact on the global community.

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