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The University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) is partnering with Mississippi State University to expand poultry science educational opportunities for students. Â鶹ÊÓƵ has entered a 2+2 agreement that allows a seamless transition from its associate degree in agriculture-poultry science to a bachelor's degree in poultry science at Mississippi State once Â鶹ÊÓƵ students are accepted through the regular application process.

Mississippi State is one of only six universities in the nation that offers bachelor's-level education in poultry science, and this is its first such agreement with an out-of-state university. The 2+2 structure ensures that all credits earned at Â鶹ÊÓƵ transfer directly to Mississippi State's bachelor's program, removing the common issue of lost credits that can delay graduation and add to student expenses. Mississippi State also has an array of scholarship options available to help offset costs for students.

"We welcome the opportunity for our students to build on their excellent preparation in our poultry science program at one of the nation's top research universities," Â鶹ÊÓƵ Provost Chaudron Gille said. "We are grateful to Mississippi State for offering another chance for our students to build momentum as they approach their careers."

Gille and Mississippi State President recently signed the memorandum of agreement.

"I believe this will be a huge benefit for both Â鶹ÊÓƵ students and MSU, and I look forward to growing this partnership," said Dr. Linda Purvis, Â鶹ÊÓƵ associate professor of biology and director of poultry science. "I believe our students will have an amazing opportunity to continue their education at a university that focuses on students and poultry science. This gives our students more options and makes them more competitive in the long term for whatever they want to do career-wise."

According to Mississippi State, the six universities offering poultry science bachelor's degrees are producing about 115 graduates each year, well short of the 600 new positions the industry aims to fill each year. The partnership with Â鶹ÊÓƵ is part of the strategy to close that gap.

"Mississippi State is a national leader in poultry science education and research and one of the most transfer-friendly universities in the country. This 2+2 agreement with the University of North Georgia builds on these strengths and is a true win-win for our institutions and students," Keenum said. "We are proud to work together with great partners like Â鶹ÊÓƵ to support the poultry industry, which is vital to our state, region and nation."

Â鶹ÊÓƵ students who participate in the Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest each spring will also have the chance to learn more about Mississippi State, which hosts the event.

Mississippi State hopes to replicate the model it is building with Â鶹ÊÓƵ to work with other schools in the future.

"We're excited to launch this 2+2 program, which gives Â鶹ÊÓƵ students a clear and affordable path to earning their degree from Mississippi State University while benefiting from the strengths of both institutions," , professor and head of the , said. "This partnership reflects MSU’s commitment to making higher education more accessible and to developing the next generation of skilled poultry science professionals."