By Lesley Devoss—
MUNCIE, IN – Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County and Indiana Wesleyan University are proud to announce their partnership aimed at streamlining the process of earning a master’s degree. This collaboration offers students an expedited pathway to a master’s degree by eliminating the need for a bachelor’s degree.
Through this innovative partnership, students will begin their academic journey at Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County Campus where they will complete their associate degree. All credits earned during the associate degree program will seamlessly transfer to Indiana Wesleyan University, allowing students to bypass a bachelor’s degree and progress directly into a master’s degree program. The entire process can be completed in less than four years, enabling students to achieve their educational goals while saving a significant amount of time and money.
The partnership currently focuses on the fields of Business Administration, Information Technology Management, and Policy and Organizational Change Management, providing students with specialized knowledge and skills that are in high demand in today’s job market. By combining the strengths and resources of both institutions, Ivy Tech and Indiana Wesleyan University aim to make higher education more accessible and attainable for students in the Muncie-Henry County area.
Currently the following programs are included in the associate to master’s pathway:
- Associate in Business Administration to Master in Business Administration (MBA)
- Associate of General Studies with a Professional Communication Certificate to Master of Science in Management—Policy and Organizational Change
- Associate of General Studies with an Information Technology Certificate to Master of Science in Management—Information Technology Management
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning a master’s degree can significantly increase income potential. Those who hold a master’s degree earn 20% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. One of the primary concerns for earning a master’s is the cost. With the Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County-Indiana Wesleyan University partnership, the cost is significantly lower than the traditional pathway. Removing the bachelor’s degree saves students an average of $31,296.
Jeffrey Scott, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County, expressed optimism for the partnership. He commented, “Connecting the Ivy Tech students and Indiana Wesleyan allows students to decrease their expenses, saving them time and providing opportunities to accelerate their earning potential.”
“Indiana Wesleyan is excited to move forward with the partnership to provide affordable and accessible pathways to advanced degrees and job preparation,” Andy Miller, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Partnerships at IWU said.
The program structure allows students to begin their studies at Ivy Tech in either the summer or fall semester. They will attend courses at Ivy Tech for one academic year, encompassing the fall, spring, and summer terms. Upon successful completion of their associate degree, students will seamlessly transition to Indiana Wesleyan University for the remaining two years of their master’s degree program. Graduates will emerge with a master’s degree, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue high-level positions in their respective fields.
To learn more about the Ivy Tech Community College Muncie-Henry County and Indiana Wesleyan University partnership, visit online at ivytech.edu/locations/muncie/partnerships-special-programs/ivy-tech-iwu-partnership/.
About Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University celebrates 100 years as a Christian, global, comprehensive university providing liberal arts and professional education to approximately 11,000+ students worldwide. IWU is one of the largest faith-based universities in America with rich undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in such highly acclaimed academic units as the School of Nursing, School of Physical and Applied Sciences, College of Adult and Professional Studies, and School of Arts and Humanities. An early leader in adult and online education, IWU is known for excellence in innovation. Students live and learn on the beautiful 350-acre IWU-Marion traditional campus and study through IWU-National & Global programs offered online and at education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, founded by the Wesleyan Church denomination and IWU, prepares Christian leaders to engage in missional ministry locally and globally. Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit indwes.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.
