MSU, ECCC sign MOU for Bachelor of Applied Science degree program
East Central Community College President Billy Stewart and MSU President Mark E. Keenum sign a memorandum of understanding last Wednesday [Feb. 26] to formalize a pathway for technical education students at ECCC to complete MSU’s new Bachelor of Applied Science program. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs
Mississippi State University and East Central Community College in Decatur signed a memorandum of understanding last Wednesday [Feb. 26] to formalize partnership programs for students enrolled in technical education programs.
The agreement outlines a pathway for ECCC students to complete MSU’s new Bachelor of Applied Science program, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to provide more opportunities in technical education and meet current and future workforce demands.
“We need more two-year and four-year graduates to move Mississippi forward,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “By working together, I believe we’ll be able to better assist our fellow Mississippians in gaining the education they need to compete for the jobs of the 21st century. We are committed to helping all of our BAS students excel, succeed and earn a bachelor’s degree -- building on the excellent foundation they have been given at ECCC.”
“East Central is pleased to partner with our colleagues at Mississippi State to expand educational opportunities for graduates with an associate of applied science (AAS) degree,” said ECCC President Billy Stewart. “I believe that the opportunity to earn the BAS degree will prove to be a win for the state of Mississippi, ECCC, MSU, and most importantly, our students, and we thank Dr. Keenum and his staff for providing this new educational pathway for them.”
MSU launched its BAS program in August, significantly expanding the university’s acceptance of technical credit from community colleges and military training. It is intended to serve the needs of adults who have completed a technical associate’s degree program through a community college or the military and need additional education to advance their careers.
The agreement between MSU and ECCC outlines which courses must be completed at each institution to fulfill degree requirements. An MSU advisor will assist in guiding ECCC students through BAS program pathways. Additionally, ECCC and MSU-Meridian will work together to provide classroom space for the delivery of synchronous online courses.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science program will have access to advisors from MSU-Meridian and MSU Online. Credits in the degree program can be earned through online or in-person courses, providing the flexibility that has become a hallmark of MSU’s nationally ranked online offerings.
For more on the Bachelor of Applied Science program, visit https://www.msstate.edu/students/bachelor-of-applied-science.
For more on East Central Community College, visit www.eccc.edu.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
James Carskadon | Public Affairs
