Minot State signs agreement with Canadian college
Minot State University and Briercrest College in Caronport, Saskatchewan, signed partnership agreements today (Feb. 13) expanding concurrent degree programs between the two schools. David Fuller, MSU president, and Dwayne Uglem, Briercrest College president, represented their institutions.
"Our students have deep interest in 'the helping professions,' and your programs enable them to build on that." Uglem said. "We are entrusting our students to you. Thank you for opening this door. We look forward to working with you."
Last year, MSU and Briercrest signed an agreement that enables Canadian and American students to receive two degrees in five years - a Bachelor of Arts degree from Briercrest and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Minot State. The program began in fall semester 2011 with a first cohort of 37 students, which has since grown. Students are accepted into both programs with the students' first three years spent at Briercrest and the remaining two at Minot State. Under the initial agreement, students could earn an education degree with a focus in elementary education, music, physical education, English or history.
Today's signing ceremony commemorates the expansion of the program to include addiction studies, communication disorders and social work, expanding the accessibility to more students. Participants will receive two degrees in five years - a Bachelor of Arts degree from Briercrest and a Bachelor of Science in addiction studies or communication disorders or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Minot State. Earning a degree from both Briercrest and Minot State will allow a student to teach or work in either the U.S. or Canada.
"Addiction studies, communication disorders and social work are three of our premier programs, which contribute to the common good," Fuller said. "We look forward to a fruitful, productive relationship and more to come in the future."
Traditionally the university attracts about 6 to 8 percent of its student body from its neighbor to the north. Approximately 300 Canadians are currently enrolled at Minot State.
"This partnership creates great synergy. In the end, both schools' students win. A faith-based private institution is partnering with a publicly funded institution," said Wes Olmstead, Briercrest College vice president for academic affairs. "Our students have interest in these fields, and these professional degrees broaden their opportunities."
"Briercrest College has high quality students who lend themselves to the helping professions," said Neil Nordquist, dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences. "They can now transition from education fields into addiction studies, communication disorders or social work."
Caronport is 20 minutes west of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is Minot's sister city 265 miles to the north.
For questions, contact Nordquist at 858-3150 or neil.nordquist@minotstateu.edu.
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Published: 02/10/12 |