DeSoto County Schools, The W sign MOU to create career pathways, dual enrollment opportunities

Mississippi University for Women and DeSoto County Schools (DCS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create eight career pathway programs, expanding affordable career exploration opportunities for high school students.

University President Nora Miller and DCS Superintendent Cory Uselton signed the agreement Monday, Dec.1 during a ceremony at Desoto County Schools.

“DeSoto County Schools is always seeking innovative ways to increase opportunities for our students. Partnering with Mississippi University for Women allows us to provide even more pathways for students to begin their postsecondary journey with confidence,” Uselton said. “We look forward to the positive impact this will have on students across our district.”

“This partnership opens exciting opportunities for Desoto County Schools students to explore their interests and start on an affordable path to their college success,” said Miller.

Tuition for courses included in The W’s Dual Enrollment Pathways will be fully covered by university scholarship. All other dual enrollment/dual credit courses available to DCS will be charged a partner school rate.

The career pathways offered include business, education, nursing, leadership and career readiness, along with culinary arts, healthcare and educator career tech programs. Each pathway includes three courses allowing students to thoroughly preview the career options while simultaneously meeting degree requirements saving students time and money.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Tollison said, “The W is excited to collaborate with DeSoto County Schools through this dual-enrollment partnership. These pathways provide DCS’s talented students with rigorous academic preparation and an early start in programs aligned with the critical workforce needs of our state.”

DCS Director of High Schools Sara Jane Russell said, “We are particularly excited about the dual-credit options available for students interested in health sciences. Through this partnership, our students will now have access to MUW’s pre-nursing coursework—an incredible opportunity for them to experience rigorous, university-level classes and get an early start on their healthcare careers.”

To be eligible for dual enrollment/credit, students must be classified as a junior or higher, must have a minimum overall high school GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have taken the ACT/SAT at least once and received a minimum composite score of 16. Students who are not classified as a junior or higher can be admitted with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA on all high school courses and with a minimum composite ACT score of 30 or the equivalent SAT score.

Dual enrollment courses will be offered in spring 2026.

To learn more about the pathways or dual enrollment opportunities at The W, please visit: www.muw.edu/admissions/dualenrollment/.