New Partnership between WGU Texas and South Texas College Creates Transfer Program for Bachelor's to Master's Degrees in Technology and Healthcare Management

AUSTIN, Texas, July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new partnership between online, nonprofit university WGU Texas and South Texas College will provide new options for earning graduate degrees in the Rio Grande Valley. At a time when workforce development is critical for the economy across all parts of Texas, this partnership will serve students who want to continue their education and advance their careers while they live and work in the Valley.

The bachelor's to master's partnership offers students a smooth transfer between the two schools, particularly in the areas of information technology and healthcare management. South Texas College students who enter the program can earn advanced degrees from WGU Texas once they have completed their bachelor's degree. Degree options include:

• Bachelor of Applied Technologies (BAT) in Computer and Information Technologies to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology Management
• BAT in Technology Management to MBA in Information Technology Management
• BAT in Medical and Health Services Management to MBA in Healthcare Management

"The value of our partnership with South Texas College is that it gives striving students in the Rio Grande Valley the opportunity to advance their education, and along with it, their career opportunities," said Dr. Mark David Milliron, WGU Texas Chancellor. "When there's an opportunity for talented people to earn graduate degrees where they live and work, it benefits the student, and it creates a stronger workforce for the regional economy."

"We believe that teaming up with WGU Texas is an innovative way to strengthen the entire education ecosystem in our region. As a nonprofit, online university, WGU Texas provides an affordable, accessible education and that was very important to us as we developed this partnership," said Dr. Shirley Reed, President of South Texas College. "Their degree programs align well with ours, and by working together we can create a dynamic workforce and a better future for everyone in the communities we serve."

Also as part of the partnership, employees throughout the South Texas College system will have the opportunity to further their education with WGU Texas, receive tuition discounts, and apply for scholarships. The goal is to collaborate with South Texas College to offer affordable, high-quality, workforce-related degree programs as an educational benefit to all of its employees.

WGU Texas uses a competency-based learning model that allows students to work through study materials on their own schedule and advance when they can demonstrate their knowledge. This approach to learning is ideal for working adults with prior education and work experience looking to return to school. Each student has one-on-one guidance and support from faculty mentors, who help the student stay on track by providing coaching, direction, and academic support. While WGU Texas degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning enables students with the time and ability to accelerate their programs, often finishing sooner, saving both time and money. Tuition for WGU Texas MBA programs is charged at a flat rate of $3,250 per six-month term, and terms can begin on the first day of any month.

About WGU Texas:
WGU Texas is a private, nonprofit, online university expanding access to quality higher education for Texas residents. Established by the state of Texas through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Texas is open to all qualified Texas residents. Degree programs are accredited through WGU by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. WGU Texas offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs in key workforce areas including business, information technology, teacher education, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Texas uses an innovative competency-based academic approach that allows working adults to fit their education into their lives. WGU Texas measures learning, not seat time. All programs offer flexible online study, state-of-the art learning resources, expert faculty, and individualized mentor-guided support. WGU Texas provides a convenient, cost-effective way for self-directed, hard-working adults to earn a degree and get ahead. An affordable model, tuition is charged at a flat rate every six months and starts at $2,890 per term. Through Western Governors University, WGU Texas' undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education*. To learn more, visit texas.wgu.edu.

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

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Contact for media inquiries:
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Contact for enrollment information:
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SOURCE WGU Texas