STARKVILLE, Miss.— Pearl River Community College signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday with Mississippi State University to formalize partnership programs for students enrolled in technical education programs.
The agreement outlines a pathway for PRCC 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.
“At Pearl River we are proud for CTE to be at the heart of our institution and we are thankful for this opportunity to partner with MSU,” PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “Our instructors take pride in preparing our students for life beyond the classroom. We will continue to seek opportunities to build strong industry and transfer partnerships that provide clear pathways for student success.”
“We need more two-year and four-year graduates to move Mississippi forward,” MSU President Dr. 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 PRCC.”
Pearl River’s Career and Technical students benefit from various partnerships the college has established both with transfer institutions and in workforce communities. Partnerships with employers such as the United Parcel Service, coupled with and the helping hands of dedicated PRCC instructors, allow students pursuing CTE degrees the opportunity to leave PRCC with a job offer in hand.
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 Pearl River and Mississippi State outlines which courses must be completed at each institution to fulfill degree requirements. An MSU advisor will assist in guiding PRCC students through BAS program pathways. Additionally, PRCC 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.
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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.
