A new transfer agreement between Washington State Community College (WSCC) and West Virginia University at Parkersburg is making it easier to future teachers to get their bachelor’s degree.

In an agreement signed earlier this month, WSCC graduates from the Education Transfer Associate Degree program will be able to seamlessly transfer their coursework to WVU Parkersburg and begin working towards a bachelor’s degree.

Dr. Vicky Wood, WSCC’s President described the agreement as a true two-plus-two program where students complete two years at WSCC and earn an associate degree, then continue on to WVU Parkersburg where they’ll complete their bachelor’s degree in two additional years.

“Our partnership with WVU Parkersburg will provide a viable and affordable option for our students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and who also want to stay here in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” Wood said. “Our goal is to give students a direct pathway that gets them to their academic goal.”

The agreement is specifically designed for WSCC Education Transfer students who are looking to enroll into WVU Parkersburg’s Education K-6 bachelor’s degree program and is one of two other agreements between the institutions, which include Business Administration and Applied Technology. However, even prior to this newly established agreement for WSCC’s Education Transfer student, the two schools have worked together to create a smooth transfer process for students.

Salem-Liberty Elementary School third-grade teacher Lynette Stengel is a prime example of the long-standing relationships between the colleges.  Stengel graduated from WSCC in 2007 with her associate degree in Education (Middle Years) and transferred to WVU Parkersburg. “My transfer was totally seamless,” recalled Stengel. “I knew I was going to transfer to WVU Parkersburg  before I started at WSCC, so I knew all the requirements and what classes I should take at WSCC to be on track when I arrived at WVU Parkersburg.”

The successful, longtime partnership between WVU Parkersburg and WSCC has brought great rewards to both colleges and our shared students,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education Division chair. “We each want what is best for our students and I’m very pleased we are able to provide this opportunity to them.”

For more than 45 years, Washington State Community College has provided residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley the opportunity to realize dreams, to enhance skills, and to broaden understanding. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an adult student looking to move your life in a new direction, Washington State has the classes to suit your needs. For more information about Washington State Community College, visit www.wscc.edu or call 740.374.8716.

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