ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) — Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) have formalized a 2+2 memorandum of understanding (MOU), establishing a direct transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in disaster science and emergency management.

The agreement enables BPCC students who complete an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science to seamlessly transfer into LSUA’s Bachelor of General Studies program with a concentration in Disaster Science and Emergency Management. Qualified students can transfer up to 57 credit hours and will complete an additional 63 hours at LSUA to earn their bachelor’s degree.

“This partnership reflects our shared hope to create more opportunities for Louisiana students to succeed while helping build a safer, more resilient state,” said LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil, Ph.D. “By aligning our academic programs, we are investing in both education and public safety.”

BPCC Chancellor Rick Bateman, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of preparing students for long-term academic success: “BPCC grads are special students. We care our students to success, with caring and attentive faculty and staff pouring into students who develop resiliency in pursuit of their educational goals.”

University officials said the collaboration supports workforce needs in emergency management and disaster preparedness, fields that are increasingly vital across the state and beyond. The program aims to increase student enrollment and degree completion while providing practical training for real-world emergencies.

LSUA Provost Liz Beard, Ph.D., noted the initiative stemmed from local demand. “Hopefully, this is the first of many opportunities for LSUA to develop bachelor’s degree pathways for BPCC students,” she said, praising the efforts of Dr. Jay Callegari and Dean Beth Whittington in advancing the project.

For more information about the Disaster Science and Emergency Management program and transfer opportunities, visit explore.lsua.edu.