UI, NICC sign enrollment agreement

Northeast Iowa Community College and the University of Iowa recently signed an enrollment agreement that officials say will make earning a four-year degree from UI more convenient, cost-effective and accessible for NICC two-year transfer degree graduates.

UI President Sally Mason and NICC Interim President Liang Chee Wee signed the agreement at a ceremony Aug. 29 at the NICC Town Clock Center for Professional Development in Dubuque.

The four degrees offered through the UI, all completely online, include the bachelor of applied science, the bachelor of liberal studies, the bachelor of business administration and the bachelor of science in nursing program. Mason said that the new agreement with NICC greatly increases access for NICC graduates to a four-year college education, and the collaboration between the two schools demonstrates innovation and leadership.

"The University of Iowa is very proud to enter into this partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College to increase access to higher education programs directly in people's home communities. This agreement between NICC and the UI puts our institutions at the forefront of the educational innovation we need for the prosperity of all Iowans," Mason said.

The new online degrees enable students who complete their associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science degree, or Registered Nurse requirements from NICC to continue to take UI courses while remaining on an NICC campus or in their own community. Current NICC students who are working toward their two-year degree, as well as recent and past NICC graduates who hold an AA, AS, AAS or nursing degree, would qualify.

For more information about the new online degree programs go to www.hawkeyedegree-nicc.com.