River Parishes Community College students now have a transferable pathway to become eligible for direct admission into the University of Southern Mississippi thanks to a recent agreement between the two schools.
Through the pathway, students will be provided with a systematic outline for successfully completing an Applied Technology Bachelor of Applied Science degree from USM and an associate degree and/or certificate of completion from RPCC. The institutions will partner to facilitate student access through a seamless blend of curricula.
RPCC Interim Chancellor Jim Carlson said RPCC is excited to partner with USM.
“Offering RPCC graduates flexible opportunities by providing them advancement and promotion based on bachelor’s degree attainment is vital for their career advancement,” he said. “This partnership opens the door for future educational and career growth that currently does not exist.”
RPCC students – including those enrolled at the new Boutte campus – who successfully transfer to USM will earn a bachelor’s degree in Applied Technology after successfully completing the additional required coursework – which is 100% online – at USM and meeting all USM Applied Technology degree requirements.
Students can transfer up to 60 credit hours from RPCC to USM to be applied toward the 120 credit hours needed to complete a bachelor’s degree in Applied Technology. In order to graduate from USM, students must achieve all graduation requirements outlined in the USM Undergraduate Bulletin in effect at the time they enter.
“The University of Southern Mississippi’s Pathway to Applied Technology Agreement with River Parishes Community College provides a clear route for a student to move from an Associates of Applied Science degree to a baccalaureate degree,” USM Vice Provost for Gulf Park Dr. Casey Malone Maugh Funderburk said. “This partnership is specifically designed to provide technicians opportunities for career advancement in supervisory and managerial positions. Supporting students through this new pathway agreement will only strengthen our industrial marketplace in our communities.”
Dr. Heather Annulis, a director at USM Gulf Park, said the APT BAS prepares students with the technical leadership competencies necessary for the ever-changing high growth, high demand workforce.
“This partnership with RPCC demonstrates our collaborative efforts in responding to workforce needs and the development of human capital necessary for competitive advantage for students and organizations alike,” she said.
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