Students who complete the Energy Generation Operations program at Southeast Community College can transfer those credits to Bismarck (N.D.) State College toward completion of a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Energy Management.

Both schools recently signed an articulation agreement that takes effect immediately.

SCC students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Energy Generation Operations will be admitted to BSC with junior standing. Bismarck State has the only Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Energy Management in the nation. The program is entirely online.

"Our BAS program was developed in response to the ever-increasing demand for highly trained energy workers to fill the many positions soon to be vacated by a large number of retirees," said Kari Knudson, vice president of the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence. "We are excited to offer graduates of the Energy Generation Operations program at Southeast Community College the opportunity to articulate into BSC's Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management. The BAS degree offered by Bismarck State College is well-regarded within the energy industry, and this partnership will equip more potential energy employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers."

Students who transfer credits to BSC will be required to complete a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 60 semester hours at Bismarck State College. Upon successful completion of the remainder of college credit classes as outlined, the student will be awarded the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Energy Management.

The Letter of Agreement, in part, states, "The BAS in Energy Management is designed for individuals interested in supervisory and management positions in the energy industry. The BAS builds on energy-related foundations developed in previously completed energy education programs and includes general education, core management and energy management courses."

John Pierce, chair of SCC's Energy Generation Operations program, worked with Tammy Heupel, coordinator of the BAS in Energy Management at Bismarck State College, on the agreement.

"Many of our students are interested in continuing their education in the energy field," said Pierce, who contacted BSC in January about the possibility of working out a transfer agreement. "And since Bismarck State's degree is offered online, this is exactly what our graduates are looking for."

SCC's program offers a Nuclear focus, an Industrial Process Operations focus, and an Energy Generation Operations Military focus, all of which were designed to provide specialized instruction in each focus area.