(SIOUX CITY, IA) - Siouxland students have a new option when it comes to earning a four year degree. The University of Iowa is debuting a new program this fall, offering a four year degree to students in Sioux City. The U of I says it's heard several groups ask for a presence in Western Iowa, and adds the partnership with Western Iowa Tech Community College was years in the making. 

Tuesday U of I staff traveled to Sioux City to recruit new students to the program kicking off this fall. Braden Albrecht came to learn more about the four year degree offered, and he was exactly the type of student staff hope to catch with the new partnership. "I'm really interested in earning a bachelors degree but going out of the city's a little bit of a problem. I'd like to just stay in town and it just sounds like a really great option to stay here at WIT," said Albrecht, who begins classes at WIT later this month. Financially, transferring to U of I's campus would not be possible, he told admissions staff.

Chet Rzonca, Associate Dean of Continuing Education explained, "Essentially what we want to be able to offer is a combination of online education and the convenience that's attributed to it, and couple that with contact with faculty and advisors."

The General Degree program is designed by Iowa faculty, and a local instructor and advisor will offer support to students in Sioux City when the program gains momentum. The U of I requires an eligible Associate's Degree with a 2.0 GPA to qualify. Between working adults, parents, even members of the 185th ARW, staff hope to have 15 students in each of the two classes offered in Sioux City this fall.

To learn more about Iowa's distance learning program visit www.hawkeyedegree.com.

 

Reported by Jeremy Maskel. You can reach Jeremy at jmaskel@kmeg.com.