The North Dakota State College of Science will begin offering a two-year liberal arts degree in Fargo this fall.
Officials from the Wahpeton campus announced the new program Monday at the Skills & Technology Training Center in north Fargo, where classes will be held.
This will be the first time the North Dakota University System has offered a two-year degree in Fargo.
The new program aims to increase the educational attainment of North Dakota residents, said NDSCS President John Richman.
"It's an affordable, convenient way of making ourselves more accessible to the citizens here in the Fargo area," he said.
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The state Board of Higher Education has identified a need for two-year degree programs in several North Dakota cities, including Fargo, said Richie Smith, president of the board.
"For some students, success means starting their education at a two-year college and then transferring on," Smith said.
Dick Hanson, president of North Dakota State University, said he doesn't think the two campuses will compete for the same freshmen.
"A lot of these students wouldn't come to NDSU," Hanson said. "I don't see it as Wahpeton moving in."
Margaret Wall, NDSCS dean of extended learning, said the program is designed for students who prefer smaller class sizes, with most classes having 15 to 40 students.
A variety of core courses will be offered four days a week in a block schedule, so students will attend class for four hours a day. Classes will be taught by NDSCS adjunct faculty who will have either a master's or doctorate degree. Classes begin Aug. 23.
Jerry Migler, provost for the Moorhead campus of Minnesota State Community and Technical College, said it's difficult to gauge what impact the new program could have on his campus.
"Certainly there will be competition, but it could be good for both of us if it generates more interest all the way around," Migler said.
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The tuition rate for the NDSCS Fargo program is $176 per credit, or $5,280 for annual tuition for a full-time student.
MSCTC-Moorhead charges $143.65 per credit this year. A full-time student pays $4,844 for annual tuition and mandatory fees, according to the university system office.
Migler said he anticipates about a 3 percent increase for next fall.
For more information
Contact Alisa Priebe at (701) 231-6900 or alisa.priebe@ndscs.nodak.edu . Information sessions will be held at the Skills & Technology Training Center at 7 p.m. April 26, May 4 and May 13.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
