BGSU, Terra State Community College partner to support Ohio’s workforce needs through 2+2 degree pathway

Students can transfer associate degree credits into College of Engineering and Innovation degree programs

Bowling Green State University and Terra State Community College are supporting Ohio’s workforce needs in emerging and in-demand fields by partnering to ensure a direct pathway for students to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree from the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation.

The two public institutions signed a collaborative agreement on Wednesday to establish a 2+2 degree pathway that allows students to transfer all their associate degree credits from six eligible Terra State programs into any of the 15 undergraduate degree programs in the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation. Students can participate in the program effective immediately.

The program’s design, with students completing their first two years at Terra State before transferring to BGSU to earn a bachelor's degree, promotes on-time graduation and reduces overall cost. The partnership underscores the University’s commitment to increasing accessibility to higher education and supporting workforce demands in fields crucial to Ohio’s economic vitality.

“We are excited to work even closer with Terra State Community College, building on a longtime relationship to create new opportunities for students and strengthen our region's robust educational ecosystem," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “As a public university for the public good, we are pleased to work strategically across our educational landscape to ensure students have many options, leading to great careers and great lives."

"This partnership between Terra State Community College and Bowling Green State University is a game-changer for students pursuing careers in engineering," Terra State Community College President Ronald Schumacher said. "By streamlining the transition from associate to bachelor's degrees, we are opening doors to incredible opportunities and ensuring that students receive top-tier education and hands-on experience. We are proud to collaborate with BGSU in empowering the next generation of engineers."

To participate in the pathway, students must complete an associate degree from Terra State in an eligible program – computer systems, construction technology, digital media technology, electricity, manufacturing engineering or power technologies – with a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average, submit their official transcript to BGSU and apply for admission. Students with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average will be eligible to apply for BGSU scholarships.

The BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation comprises the School of Aviation, School of Engineering and School of the Built Environment and degree programs that prepare graduates for meaningful careers in aviation, engineering, robotics, architecture, construction management and visual communication technology.

"This partnership underscores our commitment to preparing students with the hands-on skills and strong theoretical foundation needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving workforce," said Dr. Wael Mokhtar, dean of the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation. "By creating clear, accessible pathways from Terra State to BGSU, we’re helping students develop the technical expertise, critical thinking and real-world experience that employers across Ohio demand."

“This exciting partnership will provide even more opportunities for the students in our region to earn advanced academic credentials in technology and skilled trades programs," said Dr. Doug Mead, vice president of academic affairs at Terra State Community College.

BGSU continues to raise the prominence of its College of Engineering and Innovation through investments in technology, infrastructure and academic programs.

The new state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center, currently under construction, will feature seven large-scale specialty labs to facilitate experiential learning on the latest robotics and engineering technology.

The new facility, set to open in Spring 2026, will support the School of Engineering’s reimagined and rapidly growing degree programs in electronics and computer engineering, mechanical and manufacturing engineering and robotics engineering. 

The Technology Engineering Innovation Center is located adjacent to Kokosing Hall, home to the School of the Built Environment, the only school of its kind in Ohio where architecture and construction management students learn in a collaborative environment, mirroring how the two professions work together in the industry.

Through the School of Aviation, BGSU is answering the nationwide demand for pilots and preparing students for various roles in aviation management and operations.

The nationally recognized aviation program, one of the largest programs in Ohio and in the country, continues to experience record enrollment growth, with a 34% increase in new students in Fall 2024.