Bethel University agreement gives TEEX students a pathway to college degree

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) students interested in applying their technical training toward a degree in higher education have a new opportunity through Bethel University in Tennessee.

A Memorandum of Agreement with Bethel University College of Public Service provides TEEX students an unprecedented pathway to earning a college degree, said Mark Posada, TEEX Manager of Training and Education Initiatives. The College of Public Service has agreed to provide TEEX students up to 47 hours of elective college credit toward the 128 hours required to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree, which can be completed online.

Through this agreement, TEEX continues to pursue its goal of building cooperative programs designed to promote student success and provide access to higher education opportunities. “This agreement and recognition by Bethel University is yet another validation of the quality of TEEX training programs and provides our students with another opportunity to leverage their TEEX training into a college degree,” Posada said. “Bethel University does not charge students for transferring in any TEEX credits, and students can use their GI Bill benefits or apply for financial aid through Bethel University to complete their degree. This is a remarkable opportunity for our students wishing to earn a college degree.”

The recent agreement with Bethel University College of Public Service was built through a newly established connection made by TEEX Public Safety & Security personnel. “In an effort to support the entire agency, it was important the articulation agreement established with Bethel University provide meaningful credit to students across all divisions, regardless of programmatic area,” said Tom Shehan, Division Director of TEEX Public Safety & Security. “Once it became apparent Bethel University representatives were open to this idea, the rest seemed to fall in place.”

Ray Farris, Vice President of the Bethel University College of Public Safety, states, “Our goal at Bethel is to provide a quality education to working men and women in all areas of public safety and service. Our partnership with TEEX helps us to pursue that goal, not only in Texas, but throughout the United States.”

Bethel University of McKenzie, TN, is a private, 4-year institution founded in 1842 with 5,214 students enrolled in both on-campus and online programs. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award both bachelors and masters degrees. The Bethel University College of Public Service offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice or Emergency Services Management and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.