The program is currently offered, in cooperation with the University of Missouri - St. Louis and St. Louis Community College on the St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley campus. The program is also available on the Southeast campus.

"We've been operating the St. Louis program very successfully for five years with over 50 students presently enrolled in classes," said Dr. Randy Shaw, dean of the School of Polytechnic Studies. "Because of this success, we've had numerous requests to offer the program in other areas," he said.

The 2+2 technology program requires students to first complete a two-year associate degree in a technical field from a community college. Students can then continue their education, earning their bachelor of science degree in industrial technology by taking junior and senior level courses offered by Southeast at one of the participating institutions in their area. This option is accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).

As resources are available, Southeast will work in cooperation with Mineral Area College, Three Rivers Community College, East Central College and St. Louis Community College - Meramec (South County Campus) to expand the program's availability in Southeast's service region. These institutions currently offer associate of applied science or associate of science degrees; however, graduates of these programs do not have access to an industrial technology baccalaureate degree program.

As technology continues to change, the demand for baccalaureate-level curriculum continues to increase, Shaw said. Many students who initially earn an associate degree later have the desire, because of changing career goals or promotion opportunities, to complete a technical management-oriented baccalaureate degree. Most of these students, however, hold full-time jobs and do not have the luxury of transferring to an institution outside the area to pursue the last two years needed to complete a bachelor of science degree, according to the dean.

This partnership will make the 2+2 technology option much more accessible to students throughout the region, Shaw said. Based on demand and available resources, the program will now be offered at the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center, Harry L.Crisp Bootheel Education Center in Malden, Kennett Area Higher Education Center, Perryville Area Higher Education Center and the main campuses of Mineral Area College, Three Rivers Community College, East Central College and St. Louis Community College - Meramec (South County Campus).

Coursework for the 2+2 technology program at the additional sites will be delivered through the use of interactive television (ITV) technology, Web-based courses, commuting Southeast faculty and adjunct faculty.