��, Mississippi Delta Community College sign MOU for Bachelor of Applied Science degree program

Composite image of university leaders signing an MOU — �� President Mark E. Keenum, left photo, and Mississippi Delta Community College President Tyrone Jackson sign a memorandum of understanding to create a transfer pathway for MDCC students to complete ��’s Bachelor of Applied Science program. Pictured with Keenum is Kali Dunlap, left, advisor for ��’s online BAS students and those at the Starkville campus, and Susan Seal, executive director of ��’s Center for Distance Education. In addition to Dunlap, Kristi Dearing advises BAS students at the ��-Meridian campus. (Photos by Megan Bean and Melaney Emerson)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—�� and Mississippi Delta Community College signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday [July 28] to formalize partnership programs for students enrolled in technical education programs.

The agreement outlines a pathway for MDCC students to complete ��’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,” �� 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 and earn a bachelor’s degree—building on the excellent foundation they have been given at MDCC.”

“MDCC is excited about the opportunities that this partnership with �� will afford our students who receive their Associate of Applied Science degree from Mississippi Delta,” said MDCC President Tyrone Jackson. “Many of our students will not only earn a degree in their field of study but will now be able to further their career pathway by completing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from ��. The ability to fulfill a dream of acquiring a bachelor’s degree is a chance of a lifetime for many of our students."

�� launched its Bachelor of Applied Science program last 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. �� announced new emphasis areas for the BAS program in April.

�� advisors work closely with BAS students at community colleges to provide guidance on transferring credits and using the degree program to maximize career potential. With four campus options – Online, Starkville, Meridian and Gulf Coast – students can find a learning path that fits their needs. Credits in the degree program can be earned through online or in-person courses, providing the flexibility that has become a hallmark of ��’s nationally ranked online offerings.

The agreement between �� and MDCC outlines which courses must be completed at each institution to fulfill degree requirements, as well as library and campus resources that can be used by students dually enrolled at each institution. MDCC will work with �� to provide academic space for the delivery of synchronous online classes, enhancing delivery for students who may have challenges with internet speeds at home.

For more on the Bachelor of Applied Science program, visit .

For more on Mississippi Delta Community College, visit .

�� is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at .

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