East Central Community College (ECCC) has teamed up with Mississippi University for Women (The W) to introduce an innovative educational program, the "3+1+1" pathway. This unique program allows students in select career and technical education fields to earn an associate's, bachelor's, and master’s degree in a streamlined timeline, while also addressing the state’s workforce needs.
The program, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by ECCC President Brent Gregory and The W President Nora Miller, enables students to spend three years at ECCC, followed by one year at The W to complete a bachelor's degree and an additional year for a master’s degree. Students enrolled in the program can choose from 17 different degree pathways, including business management technology, culinary arts, marketing, and information technology.
“This agreement opens doors for our students to gain both practical skills and advanced academic credentials, preparing them for leadership roles and competitive job markets,” Gregory said. “We are thrilled to partner with The W to make this incredible opportunity available.”
Miller echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing The W’s commitment to expanding educational access for students in Mississippi. “We are excited to announce this partnership with ECCC that strengthens our commitment to providing accessible education and opens new pathways for students. Together, we are dedicated to fostering academic growth and ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for the workforce,” Miller said.
One key feature of the “3+1+1” program is its affordability. By allowing students to complete three years at ECCC before transferring, it reduces the overall cost of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Students may transfer up to 90 hours from community colleges to The W, including up to 40 technical credit hours, enabling them to build on their practical skills acquired through career and technical education programs.
Cody Spence, ECCC’s Director of Career & Technical Education, described the partnership as a valuable opportunity for students to gain advanced credentials while maintaining cost efficiency. “This partnership represents a step forward in our commitment to student growth and career readiness,” Spence said. “Through the ‘3+1+1’ program, we look to provide an efficient and cost-effective pathway for our students.”
The program also includes options for working students to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, with ten concentrations available at The W, eight of which can be completed fully online. This flexibility allows students to remain in their jobs while furthering their education. After earning their bachelor’s degree, students are encouraged to enroll in The W’s MBA program, which can be completed online in just one year.
Dee Larson, chair of The W’s Department of Business, highlighted the benefit of enabling students to stay at ECCC for an additional year, helping ease the transition to a four-year institution. “The pathways will allow ECCC’s AAS students to remain at their beloved community college for a third year before transferring to us, and our goal is to make that transition as smooth as possible,” Larson said. “Together, we have created an affordable pathway where employees of Mississippi can continue to work while completing a degree that will assist them in building successful businesses in Mississippi.”
Since awarding its first Bachelor of Applied Science degree in 2016, The W has continued to expand its online options, making higher education more accessible for students across the state.
