Waco may not have a four-year public university, but it’s not without higher education options. In fact, residents have the opportunity to earn degrees from six different state universities right here in Waco, thanks to the University Center at MCC.

The University Center is changing the way Central Texans get affordable bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Students take classes on MCC’s campus but graduate with a degree from one of six “partner” universities:

• Midwestern State University

• Tarleton State University

• Texas Tech University (which just joined the University Center in March)

• University of Texas at Arlington

• University of Texas at Brownsville

• University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Students follow the partner school’s degree plans, take classes taught by that school’s professors and pay tuition to the partner school. The only difference in their education from students at the “home” campus is the location—which, for most, is the biggest benefit.

“Many individuals in Waco who are interested in furthering their education have families and jobs that don’t allow them to be away from the office or their home for extended periods of time,” said Lewis Snell, director of the University Center. “The University Center allows these individuals the opportunity to pursue a college degree without altering their daily routine.”

That was the appeal for Felecia Brown, who after graduating from MCC’s nursing program in 1977, returned to school to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing from UTA. She cites the convenience of taking classes in town and the flexibility of scheduling classes around work as the major reasons for choosing the University Center.

Many students also say the quality education, convenient schedule and cost are their biggest motives for pursing degrees through the University Center, Snell said.

“Students living in Waco can save a considerable amount of time and money while pursing their degrees here.”

Those degrees come in a variety of levels and disciplines, though the majority involve business and education—two popular areas of study in Central Texas, Snell said.

And the Central Texas workforce is always in mind when new degree options are added, he said. The University Center looks at several factors, including the needs of Waco employers and the interests of current MCC students.

“In a global market, where education is imperative, we hope the University Center can identify what degree programs are needed now and in the future so that the people of Waco can have every opportunity to be successful,” Snell said.

As Texas Tech University works with the University Center to develop a variety of degree options, the school plans on keeping in mind the needs of the Waco community—both individuals and employers. In fact, many degrees currently offered are especially appealing to employees of Waco businesses, Snell said.

 “Often when a partner university offers a new degree, a number of individuals from the same workplace begin working toward that degree. For example, we have seen a number of Waco teachers pursue the master’s in counseling and several L3 employees working toward an engineering technology degree.”

Not only is the University Center increasing the number of degree programs offered, it’s also expanding its physical space on MCC’s campus. The University Center will be located in the new Dennis F. Michaelis Academic Center, which will give the organization more classroom space.

“We should be able to offer classes at more convenient times, including traditional morning hours,” Snell said. “We have also added permanent offices for faculty members from partner universities, so they can spend more time on campus, provide more office hours and interact with students outside their classes.”