A new partnership with Kansas State University and MidAmerica Nazarene University lets MNU undergraduates take advanced animal health science courses at K-State's Olathe campus. 

These advanced science courses may later be used to help MNU graduates who pursue graduate study at K-State get a jump-start on a master's degree in animal health or biosciences that aligns with industry in Greater Kansas City. 

"We are delighted to partner with MidAmerica Nazarene University to help them fill a need for advanced science courses while offering these students fast-tracks to an industry-ready master's degree," said Jackie Spears, interim dean and CEO of K-State Olathe. "With a bit of academic creativity, we believe this partnership will ultimately help employers build a highly-educated and highly-skilled workforce to replace retiring talent and keep Kansas City nationally competitive."

Through the partnership, MNU students enroll as non-degree seeking students at K-State Olathe. Starting in the summer between their junior and senior year, students complete select advanced science courses at K-State Olathe. They can earn up to nine hours of graduate credits that apply to their bachelor's degree at MNU and also up to nine hours of graduate credits that apply to the M.S. in Veterinary Biomedical Science or Professional Science Master in Applied Biosciences graduate degrees at K-State's Olathe campus if the student is accepted into these degree programs after completing their bachelor's degree at MNU.

Students who are eligible for this program are juniors and seniors who are majoring in biology or a similar field at MNU, have a 3.5 GPA or higher, and have completed at least 75 hours of their undergraduate degree before applying to one of the K-State graduate degree programs and 90 hours before attending K-State classes.

Adding the option of additional coursework in advanced animal health sciences through K-State is an innovation that MNU President David Spittal says will benefit those seeking either a graduate degree or career in this field.

“K-State Olathe has been a tremendous asset to our community and this agreement is a dynamic advance for students seeking graduate degrees and careers in these key areas,” Spittal said. “Partnerships like this work well not only for students and universities but for workforce development. We are delighted to be included.”

In addition to earning academic credit hours, MNU students who take advantage of the program may be eligible for a scholarship from the Johnson County Research Education Triangle.

MNU students will be able to take courses beginning in summer 2022.