The agreements, which go into effect immediately, enable Mountwest students who graduate with associate degrees in graphic design and in animation and game development a seamless pathway to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at Marshall, receiving credit for all of their completed courses.
“As our region undergoes transformation from an industry-based and fossil-fuel-based economy to a technical, entrepreneurial and service-based economy, it’s more important than ever that institutions of higher learning provide training and education for 21st century jobs,” Dr. Harry Faulk, executive vice president and chief academic officer at Mountwest, said. “We are pleased that two of our highly technological and yet creative programs of study now have solid pathways with Marshall University for students to expand the breadth of their knowledge and to complete baccalaureate degrees.”
“Marshall University enjoys a close and productive relationship with Mountwest, as we have a shared conviction that the region’s economy and growth is dependent upon a well-educated workforce,” said Dr. David J. Pittenger, interim associate vice president for outreach and continuing studies and interim dean of the Graduate College at Marshall. “These innovative agreements provide students in the region more opportunities to pursue contemporary college degrees that prepare them for meaningful and interesting careers.”
With the agreement, Mountwest students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree with a concentration in graphic design can transfer into the Marshall University College of Arts and Media and obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual art with an emphasis in graphic design. This agreement was developed as a 2 + 2 program, where students can finish in two years at Mountwest (62 credit hours), and then, if they follow the recommended course schedule, they can earn a bachelor’s degree from Marshall within another two years (64 credit hours).
Students who earn an associate degree from Mountwest in animation and game development can transfer into the Marshall University College of Science and obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information technology. Students who follow this path can complete their associate degrees at Mountwest in two years (60 credit hours), and then earn their bachelor’s degrees from Marshall over two-and-a-half years (79 credit hours).
Students pursuing baccalaureate degrees through these articulation agreements will be bound by the curriculum requirements in effect at the time they are officially accepted into the articulated programs.
Mountwest Community & Technical College is a public institution with approximately 2,500 students, offering more than 60 associate degree options and 15 one-year certificates. Mountwest is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about Mountwest, visit www.mctc.edu.
To learn more about Marshall’s College of Arts and Media and the art programs available, visit www.marshall.edu/cam.