Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University 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 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 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 Mississippi State University 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 MSU. The ability to fulfill a dream of acquiring a bachelor’s degree is a chance of a lifetime for many of our students."

MSU 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. MSU announced new emphasis areas for the BAS program in April.

MSU 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 MSU’s nationally ranked online offerings.

The agreement between MSU 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 MSU 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 www.msstate.edu/bas.

For more on Mississippi Delta Community College, visit www.msdelta.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.