NEW 2+2 PROGRAM TO BOOST WORKFORCE

Southeast Missouri State University launched a cooperative 2+2 bachelor of science in industrial technology program in St. Louis.

The program was established on Aug. 20. Southeast is offering the program in conjunction with St. Louis Community College and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The degree is designed to prepare students for industrial supervision and management positions.

The program provides the opportunity for students to complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology in St. Louis.

This is a 2+2 program, because students seeking admission must first satisfactorily complete an associate of applied science degree from an accredited institution in an industrial or engineering technology related field with a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average.

The associate of applied science degree can be completed at St. Louis Community College or another accredited two-year institution. Upon being admitted to the bachelor of science degree program, students will be governed by the academic policies and degree requirements in place at Southeast at the time of enrollment.

Dr. Randy Shaw, director of the Polytechnic Institute at Southeast, said the program provides students with a chance to obtain a four-year degree.

Bill Mason of the engineering and technology department at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley is coordinator and adviser of the 2+2 program.

"There are more than 600 graduates of engineering and technology career programs who have graduated with an A.A.S. degree over the last 10 years in the St. Louis area," Mason said. "They, essentially, have no opportunities to advance themselves degree-wise without starting over. This provides them an avenue here locally to complete a bachelor's degree."