Kansas State University

K-State students have new option in obtaining associate degree through reverse transfer agreement with Manhattan Area Technical College

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

Kansas State University and Manhattan Area Technical College are making it easier for students to transfer credit hours earned at the university toward completion of their community college or technical degree.

Recently, K-State President Kirk Schulz and Manhattan Area Technical College President Ron Edleston signed a reverse transfer agreement between the two schools. On Nov. 19, representatives from both institutions gathered at K-State's campus to recognize the agreement. Larry Moeder, director of student financial assistance; Bill Disberger, assistant director of undergraduate admissions; and Emily Lehning, assistant vice president of new student services, attended on behalf of the university.

The agreement will allow credits earned at K-State to transfer toward an unfinished associate degree at Manhattan Area Technical College.

Under the agreement students enrolled at K-State who previously attended Manhattan Area Technical College, or who are currently enrolled at the community college, meet its resident credit requirement and are able to transfer a minimum of 45 credit hours to K-State, will be eligible for reverse transfer credit to facilitate their degree completion the technical college. The agreement takes effect this semester.

The agreement gives qualified students flexibility and convenience in their degree options, said Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students at K-State.

"Manhattan Area Technical College is our neighbor," Bosco said. "Many of our students have taken courses at MATC, so we want to provide them the option of obtaining their associate degree. This is a way to make higher education a seamless process for many students."

K-State already makes it easy for students attending classes at Manhattan Area Technical College to turn their associate degrees into bachelor's degrees in computer-aided drafting technology and technology management or information and network technology and technology management through 2+2 agreements between the two schools. Students are able to take courses for two years at the technical college and then finish the remaining two years of course work through online courses offered through K-State's distance education programs.