Holmes, The W sign new degree pathway agreement
Holmes Community College and Mississippi University for Women formalized a new partnership on Thursday, May 22, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes 16 streamlined degree pathways for students. The signing ceremony, held in Adcock Library on the Holmes Ridgeland Campus, included Holmes Vice President for Career Technical Education Dr. Amy Whittington, MUW President Nora Miller as well as a few other representatives from each institution.
The agreement, known as the “3+1+1” program, allows students in select career and technical education programs to complete three years at Holmes, one year at The W to earn a bachelor’s degree, and an additional year to complete a master’s degree.
“We are excited to announce our partnership with Holmes Community College, which reinforces our commitment to accessible education and creates new opportunities for students. Together, we are dedicated to supporting academic growth and ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce,” Miller said.
Dr. Whittington echoed that sentiment.
“We are very excited about how this partnership with Mississippi University for Women will offer new career opportunities for our students at Holmes,” Dr. Whittington said. “Having the option to earn an AAS degree with us, then move on to The W to further their education all the way to a master’s degree is a huge opportunity for our career technical students.”
The MOU outlines pathways in high-demand areas such as business management technology, culinary arts and information technology. Students may transfer up to 90 credit hours from Holmes to The W — including up to 40 technical credit hours — allowing them to build on their career and technical education.
The W offers 10 concentrations within its Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program, eight of which are available entirely online. The online structure enables students to continue working while earning their degree. After completing a BAS, students are encouraged to enroll in The W’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, which can be completed in just one year.
“The BAS degree offers the best of both worlds: hands-on, job-specific training and the business proficiency needed to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Dr. Dee Larson, chair of The W’s Department of Business. “Together, we are boosting local economies and creating a skilled workforce for Mississippi.”
Through this partnership, Holmes and The W reaffirm their shared mission to expand educational access and equip students with the skills and credentials needed for successful careers.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to creating accessible educational opportunities for our students,” said Holmes President Dr. Jim Haffey. “It provides a clear path to a bachelor’s and even a master’s degree, without the need to leave Mississippi.”
To learn more about the Holmes-to-W degree pathways, contact Holmes Dean of Career Technical Programs Dr. Luke Jones at (662) 472-9057 or tjones@holmescc.edu.