A new program will allow East Central Community College students to get three different degrees with the help of Mississippi University for Women.
On Tuesday, the two institutions of higher learning announced a “3+1+1” agreement to offer students in select career and technical education programs an accelerated pathway to earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree in five years.
The memorandum of understanding includes 17 degree options for students, such as business management technology, culinary arts, marketing, and information technology. The process includes three years of study at ECCC and two years of study at MUW.
“We are excited to announce this partnership with ECCC that strengthens our commitment to providing accessible education and opens new pathways for students,” MUW President Dr. Nora Miller said. “Together, we are dedicated to fostering academic growth and ensuring that our graduates are well prepared for the workforce.”
“This agreement opens doors for our students to gain both practical skills and advanced academic credentials, preparing them for leadership roles and competitive job markets,” ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory added. “We are thrilled to partner with The W to make this incredible opportunity available.”
ECCC students participating in the program, which both Miller and Gregory promise to be “affordable,” will be able to transfer up to 90 hours to MUW after achieving their associate’s degree. Upon enrolling in on-campus or online classes at MUW, 10 concentrations will be available leading to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree. An additional year will result in a Master of Business Administration degree.
ECCC, located in Decatur, is around two hours south of MUW’s main campus in Columbus. The program being dubbed as “ECCC Pathways to The W” is open to all interested students, considering MUW has been coeducational since 1982.
