NWSCC, UNA Launch Career Technical Education Transfer Pathway

MUSCLE SHOALS-Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) and the University of North Alabama (UNA) signed an articulation agreement Thursday (9/3) to support education and training of students in Computer Information Systems Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Salon and Spa Management and Welding.

The agreement allows NWSCC graduates who have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, or Salon and Spa Management, or an Associate in Occupational Technology degree in Welding, to seamlessly transfer into UNA’s Interdisciplinary Studies program to pursue a Bachelor of Science/Arts. The pathway also makes qualifying students eligible for transfer scholarships and a discount of 20 percent off UNA tuition.

Northwest Shoals students enrolled in Career Technical Education programs learn the knowledge and hands-on training needed to succeed in a constantly evolving workforce.

“Our Career Technical Education programs are designed to give our students an advantage in the workforce,” said NWSCC President Dr. Jeff Goodwin. “Our instructors do a fantastic job of blending classroom knowledge with real-world, hands-on training. This ensures our graduates have the confidence they need to step directly into high-demand careers with the exact skills local industries need today and in the future.”

The Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) program at UNA provides a flexible pathway for students to customize their academic major based on their personal interests, career aspirations, and/or plans for graduate study. The program gives students greater control over their coursework, allowing them to choose classes that build the knowledge and skill sets they need to achieve their academic and professional goals. IDS emphasizes critical thinking, communication, creativity, and the ability to connect knowledge across disciplines—skills that are increasingly valued by employers. The IDS major is also unique in providing students who have earned technical and vocational skills through the completion of two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Occupational Technology (AOT) degrees with the opportunity to transfer up to 30 hours of block credit for their technical and vocational coursework. Many credits earned through associate degrees in fields such as welding, industrial systems technology, cosmetology, radiology, and other technical programs do not typically transfer to traditional four-year programs. As a result, the IDS program creates avenues for students in these fields to transfer to UNA at the sophomore or junior level along with a roadmap to completing a bachelor’s degree within a two-year timeline, if desired. The MOU to be signed on September 3 will establish clear transfer pathways for these students, provide access to individualized academic advising, and create scholarship opportunities for eligible full-time and part-time transfer students.

Through this partnership, eligible NWSCC graduates may be awarded up to 30 hours of credit for their associate degree coursework. Students may transfer up to 49 credit hours from NWSCC, including general education courses and electives. They then work with a UNA’s Interdisciplinary Studies program advisor to design a degree plan that aligns with their career goals.

“UNA and Northwest Shoals have long enjoyed a strong relationship, which has provided academic pathways for students across a variety of disciplines,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Today’s signing marks a new era of ensuring students from both schools find success in their chosen fields and support the growing workforce in the Shoals.”

For more information about career technical programs at NWSCC, visit https://nwscc.edu/explore-programs/career-technical/. For details on UNA’s Interdisciplinary Studies program, visit https://www.una.edu/interdisciplinary-studies/.