“Base to Bachelor’s” program

Photo by Andrew Mariman, KCC / An F-16 pilot gets the “thumbs up” prior to an early morning training run. Students enlisting in the Air Force will have access to earn a bachelor’s of applied science degree from EOU thanks to a new partnership with Klamath Community College (KCC).

“Base to Bachelor’s” creates clear path to applied science degree

LA GRANDE, Ore. August 15, 2016 – Students enlisting in the U.S. Air Force can take their careers to a higher altitude with a bachelor’s of applied science in business administration from Eastern Oregon University.

EOU is partnering with Klamath Community College’s (KCC) “Base to Bachelor’s” program to create a smooth ascent for students who have already completed an associate degree.

“The program is for students who, due to their interests or career path, want to move on to complete a degree that isn’t a liberal arts focus,” said Dan Mielke, interim dean of EOU’s Colleges of Business and Education. “It allows them to obtain advanced study to better fulfill their career goals.”

The university anticipates serving about 50 students this year. Those still working on their Community College of the Air Force requirements can be admitted to the “Base to Bachelor’s” program simultaneously. Lower division courses will be offered through KCC. When students are ready to transfer to EOU, an advisor will work with them one-on-one to provide support.

Kerry Thompson is EOU’s military and veteran coordinator. In addition to ensuring all the right courses are available to complete their degree, Thompson also serves as the students’ liaison to the financial aid office to verify Air Force Tuition Assistance benefits for those who qualify.

“Our new partnership with KCC helps make the transition from a two-year college to a four-year university smooth and easy,” Thompson said. “Before students even complete their associate’s, they are put in contact with me so we can start working on their degree plan.”

KCC’s program is for Air Force students exclusively and all of the training they receive counts toward their associate’s of applied science degree. Courses completed from other accredited schools may also be transferable.

For more about the “Base to Bachelor’s” program visit www.klamathcc.edu/Admissions/Military-Services/GEM.

To reach EOU’s military and veteran services call 541-289-2841 or email kjthompson@eou.edu.