Students graduating from 10 technical programs at Craven Community College now have a direct pathway to earning a bachelor's degree at East Carolina University (ECU) thanks to a new guaranteed admission agreement signed June 29 at ECU's Science and Technology Building.
The partnership allows eligible graduates from designated Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs to continue their education through ECU's Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) program, creating new opportunities for career advancement while allowing students to remain in Eastern North Carolina.
The agreement is designed to benefit not only students, but also local employers by strengthening the region's workforce and expanding access to higher education.
A Pathway That Doesn't Require Leaving Home
For many technical students, an associate degree has traditionally marked the end of their educational journey. The new agreement changes that by providing a clear transfer pathway to a bachelor's degree—and potentially beyond.
"Students who may have thought their degree was terminal now know that they can continue their education into a bachelor's degree, and in some cases beyond a bachelor's degree," said Dr. Stephanie George, interim dean of ECU's College of Engineering and Technology. "They can do that while they stay in their communities, so they don't have to leave or leave their jobs."
That flexibility is central to the partnership. ECU's BSIT program offers seven concentrations:
- Architecture Design Technology
- Bioprocess Manufacturing
- Distribution and Logistics
- Industrial Management
- Industrial Engineering Technology
- Information and Cybersecurity Technology
- Mechanical Design Technology
Five of the seven concentrations can be completed entirely online, making it possible for working professionals and students with family responsibilities to finish their bachelor's degrees without relocating or interrupting their careers.
Strengthening Eastern North Carolina's Workforce
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Craven Community College and ECU to invest in the future of Eastern North Carolina.
"We have a large employer base that depends on Craven Community College for its pipeline," said Craven President Dr. Ray Staats. "When they need more, if we have to send them out of town to go someplace else, very often they don't come back. That's a huge loss for Craven County. We appreciate these partnerships that are designed so our students can keep working, stay home and move up the ladder."
Dr. Allen Guidry, ECU associate provost for learner operations, said the agreement represents more than a transfer partnership.
"These partnerships aren't about enrollment strategy for us," said Guidry. "We partner in these ways because we want it this way. It's about keeping talent in Eastern North Carolina. It's about people starting where they feel comfortable, continuing along their pathway where they can live and work, and then contributing to the region."
More Affordable Pathways to Advanced Degrees
The agreement also makes earning a bachelor's degree more affordable. Students can transfer up to 75 credit hours into the BSIT program, allowing them to complete much of their coursework at community college tuition rates before finishing at ECU. According to Dr. David Batts, coordinator of ECU's BSIT program, students can now transfer up to 75 credit hours from their community college coursework.
"If a student's smart, they can get through the community college basically without any debt, and then have an industry partner actually pay for their education," Batts said. "And if they have a certain GPA, they can take four master's-level classes as graduate classes and as their undergraduate classes. They pay undergraduate tuition, which is less. So they're already a third of the way through their master's."
Matthew Berg, Craven Dean of Career & Technical Programs and an ECU engineering alumnus, said the partnership creates an even stronger value for students.
"I encourage students every day: Come to us, get a two-year degree, go get a job, go to ECU, finish that bachelor's degree online," Berg said. "My goal is for them to graduate with a four-year degree from here without any debt. If we can do that, we're setting them up for success."
Eligible Programs
The guaranteed admission agreement applies to graduates of the following Craven Associate in Applied Science programs:
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Aviation Systems Technology
- Business Administration
- Computer-Aided Drafting Technology
- Computer-Integrated Machining
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Industrial Systems Technology
- Information Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Welding Technology
Students who complete one of these programs and meet the admission requirements for their selected BSIT concentration are guaranteed admission to ECU under the new agreement.
As both institutions continue to invest in student success, the partnership provides a clear pathway for students to build rewarding careers, earn higher wages and contribute to the economic growth of Eastern North Carolina, all while staying in the communities they call home.