An agreement between the University of Memphis and Jackson State Community College in Jackson, Tenn. will allow students to earn a bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology from the U of M while attending classes in Jackson.
The engineering Technology program is a math-and science-oriented program for students who want to go into the business and industry fields.
The degree is part of the articulation agreement signed by U of M's Interim President Ralph Faudree, and JSCC President Charles Roberts earlier this month. It allows the courses taught at JSCC to be counted as the same credit as classes at U of M.
The idea began five years ago and courses started being implemented at Jackson State two years ago. Enrollment has increased and the program has grown over the past year, leading up to the articulation agreement.
Ron Day, chairman of the U of M Department of Engineering and Technology said the agreement is beneficial to both institutions.
"It will help JSCC (students) because they will be able to earn a bachelor's in engineering technology without leaving Jackson," said Day. "It will help The U of M with an increase in enrollment and an increase in funding."
Students who enroll in the program will complete their requirements for the first two years as set forth by JSCC. The final two years the students will be enrolled in classes at The U of M, while still taking courses in Jackson.
The curriculum consists of two types of class formats. Some classes will be taught once a week by adjunct (part-time) U of M faculty, while other students will participate in interactive TV classes. The interactive TV classes will be set up at both campuses, with cameras, monitors and microphones available for class discussion and interaction. The instructor will teach both classes, usually from the U of M site.
Richard Skelton, the department chair for the electromechanical technology program at JSCC is also pleased with the agreement.
"It allows JSCC graduates to continue their education with a bachelor's degree in the technology program," Skelton said. "Up to this point the only way to do that would have been to drive to Memphis."
This articulation program allows students to continue their education on our campus while being enrolled in classes at The U of M.
