FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota State College of Science and North Dakota State University have expanded their partnership, which school leaders say will better serve the research, education and workforce needs of the state.
School officials said the agreement signed Monday will give students who earn a two-year degree an easier path to a bachelor’s degree by allowing them to transfer “seamlessly” to the Fargo-based North Dakota State University.
“This agreement paves the way for NDSU and NDSCS to strengthen education across North Dakota by working together in areas including academic programming, operations and campus resources,” NDSU President Dean Bresciani said in a statement. “It enables us to explore additional opportunities to create academic partnerships and operating efficiencies.”
NDSCS President John Richman said the two colleges have historically held close ties, including a program allowing students who aren’t accepted to NDSU to live on its campus while they take remedial classes at the state college. Another program gives NDSCS students the option to transfer to NDSU before they finish an associate degree.
The agreement between the schools assures that college credits between the colleges transfer, which officials say might allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree quicker.
They said the need for two-year programs is likely to grow in the coming years, along with workforce demand for graduates in the eastern part of the state. The new agreement allows the schools to rethink transfer policies and college career paths to meet those needs, Richman said.
NDSCS, which has campuses in Fargo and Wahpeton, will continue to run independently.
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