Mississippi State and Holmes Community College are teaming up to provide a degree in technical education.

On Tuesday, the two schools signed a memorandum of understanding that officially formalizes and outlines a pathway for Holmes students to complete Mississippi State’s recently added Bachelor of Applied Science program.

The ultimate goal of the agreement is to give students the opportunity to meet the state’s growing workforce demands through additional, needed education.

“We need more two-year and four-year graduates to move Mississippi forward,” Mississippi State president Dr. Mark 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.”

Mississippi State launched its Bachelor of Applied Science program earlier this year in August, expanding the university’s acceptance of technical credit from community colleges and military training.

The agreement between the two schools will also allow Mississippi State advisors to assist Holmes students throughout the program.

Credits can be earned through either online or in-person courses, providing flexibility for all students.

For more on the Bachelor of Applied Science program, click here.