“I just think it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to (graduate) with degrees from two post-secondary institutions,” Briercrest College & Seminary vice-president of academics Wes Olmstead said following what he considers a momentous day for both his school and Minot State University.
During a ceremony in Minot, ND, on Monday, Minot State and Briercrest College representatives signed a partnership agreement expanding concurrent degree programs between the two schools.
Not only benefitting Canadian students, Olmstead told the Times-Herald the expanded agreement should allow Americans in nearby states an opportunity to study at Briercrest, which appeals to some portion of the U.S. demographic.
“Particularly those looking for a faith-based component in education,” he said, adding there are U.S. students at Briercrest, although there are usually more when the greenback is stronger compared to the loonie. He hopes the agreement extended on Monday helps increase U.S. enrollment.
In 2011, the post-secondary schools in Minot and Caronport signed an agreement enabling Canadian and American students to receive two degrees in five years — a bachelor of arts from Briercrest and a bachelor of science from Minot State.
The students first three years would be in Briercrest and the remaining two years at Minot State. Earning a degree from both schools enables students to teach or work in either the U.S. or Canada.
The agreement signed on Monday commemorates the expansion of that program to include addiction studies, communication disorders and social work, which will expect accessibility to more students.
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
