Temple College and Texas A&M Central Texas team up to offer degrees on one campus

TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) - A major partnership between Temple College and Texas A&M University Central Texas is opening new doors for students who want to earn advanced degrees without leaving home.

The two Central Texas colleges are teaming up to offer students the chance to earn everything from certificates to doctoral degrees on one campus through the new University Center at Temple College.

Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce said the collaboration opens new opportunities for students.

“Students will be able to get associate’s degrees, certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, and beyond here on the Temple College campus without having to relocate or go anywhere else, and so it’s an exciting time for students to be able to get access to advanced degrees,” Ponce said.

The partnership addresses affordability issues in higher education. Texas A&M Central Texas President Dr. Richard Rhodes said the collaboration creates multiple pathways for students to save money.

“When you look at education and the pathways that are available to students today, when you consider things such as early college high schools, dual credit that’s offered by Temple College in the high schools at no cost to students, if they can get their first two years at no cost, or get some of the credits and then transfer into Temple College, and then ultimately finish their associate degree, transfer on to Texas A&M Central Texas,” Rhodes said.

The University Center is set to open this spring with seven bachelor’s degree programs, including education, business, cybersecurity, and English. Ponce said this is just the beginning.

“Our goal is to offer University Center opportunities where students can earn advanced degrees in a pathway from Temple College to Texas A&M Central on every single one of the Temple College campuses,” Ponce said.

Temple College has campus locations in Temple, Taylor, Hutto, and an education center in Rockdale.

The partnership also focuses on meeting the needs of working adults. Rhodes said alternative scheduling options are important for students who work.

“When you take a look at students both at Temple College and in Central Texas, we have a lot of people who are working. And so it’s important that you have alternative ways for them to accumulate credits, whether it’s online, hybrid courses, evening courses, weekend courses, but finding the right way for working adults to continue their pathway,” Rhodes said.

Registration for spring classes is underway. Students can get more information by visiting the third floor of Temple College’s main building.

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