The Cornerstone Economic Development and Workforce Training Center is part of Midlands Technical College's campus in northeast Columbia, which joined a partnership for students to more easily enroll in online classes. (Photo courtesy of the Columbia Area Development Partnership)
COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s technical college graduates can more easily get an online degree under a partnership with Western Governors University.
The partnership, which the colleges announced this week, will make it easier for students and technical college staff to apply their credits toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree, as well as open up $3,500 scholarships to applicants. That would cover all but $500 of the average cost of a six-month semester, according to the nonprofit college based in Salt Lake City.
“This partnership expands opportunity for our graduates and employees across South Carolina,” Tim Hardee, president of the state Technical College System, said in a news release. “By creating a seamless transfer pathway to WGU, we are helping students continue their education in a flexible format that supports career advancement and long-term success.”
The online university, which is accredited through several regional and national organizations, offers more than 120 degrees, including those in business, technology, health care and education, according to its website. Degrees are self-paced, allowing students to complete work when it best suits them instead of needing to show up for regular lectures.
That could encourage graduates from one of the state’s 16 technical colleges who can’t complete a traditional college degree to get a higher education, according to a news release.
As of last June, nearly 3,200 South Carolinians were enrolled in the online college. More than half of the university’s students from South Carolina work while getting their degrees, according to the university.
“This agreement with the SC Technical College System expands opportunities for South Carolinians to pursue their education and career goals through flexible and affordable online programs and without having to repeat any previous approved coursework,” Ben Coulter, southeast regional coordinator for the online university, said in a news release.
Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
