WKU and SCC collaboration expands flexible degrees and workforce preparedness

Published on Sep 25, 2024

Students throughout the Lake Cumberland region can earn their Western Kentucky University (WKU) degree close to home and be prepared to fill local workforce needs through a partnership between WKU and the University Center of Southern Kentucky (UCSK), located at Somerset Community College (SCC).

The Bachelor of Science in Management – Business Administration is offered through the WKU Department of Management whose programs are accredited by the AACSB, the highest quality mark a business program can receive. Students gain a broad business perspective which prepares them for various careers, from small business owners to corporate managers.

A Bachelor of Arts in Criminology offers an interdisciplinary and research-centered approach and prepares students for a career in the growing fields of law enforcement, the court system, and corrections and rehabilitation services.

The partnership allows students to earn their associate degree at a Somerset Community College location and seamlessly transfer to WKU in Somerset to complete their bachelor’s degree. Students can also complete WKU degrees in elementary education or sociology.

“For students who need to remain close to home to earn their college degree, convenience and flexibility are crucial,” said Dr. Derick Strode, director of regional campuses at WKU. “These programs are designed to provide maximum flexibility through in-person, online, and hybrid formats available in six Somerset Community College locations.”

Many students want to further their education, but not every student can move away to earn a degree. Through collaborations between WKU and KCTCS partners, students have local access to higher levels of education through meaningful hands-on coursework so they can stay here and finish here.

“At the University Center of Southern Kentucky, our mission is to provide students with local and accessible transfer education pathways that fit their lives,” said Dr. Korey Bruck, director of the UCSK. “By partnering with WKU, we can offer students seamless transfer pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree without leaving home, preparing them to meet the workforce needs right here in their local community.”

For information about programs offered at SCC, visit www.somerset.kctcs.edu or contact the University Center office at (606) 451-6667 or email sccuniversitycenter@kctcs.edu.

For details about WKU in Somerset, visit wku.edu/regionalcampuses/somerset or email leah.turner@wku.edu.