UMSL Chancellor Tom George (right) and Mineral Area College President Steve Kurtz shake hands after signing a new partnership agreement on March 19.
Residents in southeast Missouri don’t have to leave their zip code to receive a serious education at a serious value.
The University of Missouri–St. Louis and Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo., signed a new partnership agreement March 19 offering UMSL courses to those enrolled at MAC. Students can choose from the UMSL degree programs offered, including a bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies, bachelor’s or a master’s degree in social work and master’s degree in nursing.
UMSL has been offering high-quality, low-cost and fully-accredited college degrees at MAC since 1998. The new three-year partnership differs from previous ones in that this agreement is solely negotiated between UMSL and Mineral Area College. The prior agreements were through the University of Missouri System.
UMSL courses at MAC are offered in various learning formats to meet the needs of students, including traditional classroom and online instruction. Students move through most of the programs in “cohorts,” proceeding through their courses with the same group of fellow students from start to finish.
In fall 2011, a record number of students enrolled in the new cohorts in UMSL bachelor’s and master’s of social work degree programs. The next cohorts will begin in fall 2013. The bachelor’s of liberal studies program enrolls new students each semester. The master’s of nursing program started a new cohort in fall 2010 and will be completing their program in summer 2013.
“These programs allow students to earn bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies and social work, and master’s degrees in social work and nursing without traveling outside of their local area,” said Melissa Hattman, director of community college relations at UMSL. “It really is a win-win endeavor for all involved.”
Hattman said students have often mentioned how they appreciate being able to attend a large research university without having to relocate or commute. She said the university faculty and staff provide academic advising and support services to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend classes on UMSL’s campus.
Click here to learn more about UMSL programs offered at MAC.
