River Cities Business Journal: Education

MOHAVE COUNTY - A recent action by the Arizona Board of Regents will open a new door to higher education for Mohave County students.

Northern Arizona University (NAU) announced April 27 that the Regents “approved a motion to allow NAU to accept up to 90 lower-division credit hours of transfer work from community colleges to apply toward a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies.”

MCC Chancellor Tom Henry, who had made a strong appeal to NAU to consider a 90/30 program similar to those offered by other universities that partner with MCC, said, “NAU has responded to the rural communities' need and request, getting this program approved by the Board of Regents.”

“This new bachelor's degree program will mean that time- and place-bound residents of Mohave County will not only have the convenience of earning a degree from NAU without leaving their homes or jobs, they will save just under $4,000 in tuition alone,” said Michael Kearns, vice chancellor of instruction and extended studies at MCC.

The combined MCC and NAU tuition for the 90/30 program will be under $10,000, which is less than one-sixth the cost of most private online universities. In addition, this new program will be eligible for federal financial aid.

The interdisciplinary studies degree is designed for students planning to enter an occupation that requires a broad education, those seeking career advancement or personal intellectual enrichment.

The degree will be offered in two areas of emphasis: Humanities and Public Management. A degree in humanities often leads to careers in law, medicine, education and business. A degree in public management prepares students for careers in government and non-profit administration, as well as private-sector management.

MCC and NAU academic advisors will have full details about the new 90/30 degree this summer and registration will be possible in late summer.