NWACC, MSSU reach partnership with transfer credits

A new partnership between NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville and Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo., will allow students to transfer credits more easily between the two institutions.

“These efforts build upon the NorthWest Arkansas Community College and Missouri Southern University relationship that has been in place for years,” said Dennis Rittle, president of NorthWest Arkansas Community College. “Connecting with highly respected four-year institutions such as MSSU makes taking the next step in quality education straightforward and sets students up for success. We are grateful to Missouri Southern State University for partnering with us.”

“This agreement will provide NWACC students with a clear and affordable pathway to achieve a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern after completing an associate degree at NWACC,” said Dean Van Galen, MSSU president. “Missouri Southern looks forward to welcoming more NWACC graduates to our university where they will continue to enjoy an outstanding academic environment, small class sizes, and the personal attention that will enable them to succeed.”

MSSU has eight transfer pathways in which students need two years of academic credit to complete an associate degree and an additional two years to complete a bachelor’s degree. The pathways include the areas of biology or biomedical sciences, business, communication, elementary and early childhood education, health care administration, international political affairs, public relations or mass communications, and social work.

“The agreement between MSSU and NWACC provides scholarship opportunities and allows NWACC students to seamlessly transfer from one institution to another to complete a four-year degree,” said Diana Johnson, senior vice president for learning at NWACC.