The University of Kentucky (UK) and Somerset Community College (SCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University Center of Southern Kentucky on August 14.

A new partnership provides SCC students with an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from UK on the community college’s campus in Somerset. Students will first attend SCC to obtain their associate degree and then transfer to the partnering university to earn their 4-year degree.

Specific programs offered through the University Center of Southern Kentucky and UK will be announced in the near future.

“We are proud to partner with the University of Kentucky. Together, we are proactively ensuring an enhanced academic experience for current and future generations of students,” said Carey Castle, president, and CEO of SCC. 

 The partnership makes earning a four-year degree more accessible. Under the agreement, students complete half of the degree at SCC’s much lower tuition rate and the other half of the bachelor’s degree from UK, allowing an affordable bachelor’s degree from a four-year university

A library MOA was also signed so University Center students will be able to utilize the Learning Commons on the SCC’s Somerset campus. Students also will have access to UK’s admissions, registration, and academic advising staff from SCC’s campus.

 “This action represents another step toward a robust academic collaboration and commitment to increasing access to postsecondary education in Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” UK Provost David W. Blackwell said.

For more information, visit the university center webpages at www.somerset.kctcs.edu. Click on Community and scroll down to University Center of Southern Kentucky to see what programs are being offered.  Contact the University Center office 606-451-6667 or e-mail sccuniversitycenter@kctcs.edu.