HGTC, FMU Partnership for Teacher Education
HGTC and FMU officially sign agreement allowing teacher education students to seamlessly transition and successfully transfer for the completion of a four-year degree.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) and Francis Marion University (FMU) recently
signed an articulation agreement between the colleges establishing a teacher education
transfer agreement aimed at addressing a teacher shortage in the state. After completing
the two-year degree at HGTC, aspiring teachers will be able to transfer to FMU to
earn a bachelor’s degree from the School of Education in just two years.
The partnership smooths the transition for education students and provides substantial cost savings along the way. All credits earned at HGTC will transfer to FMU. Students who fulfill all other requirements for enrollment at FMU will be able to complete one of the following programs: early childhood education, elementary education, or middle level education.
“Educating teachers to serve our region is a fundamental part of the mission of Francis Marion University,” says Dr. Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University. “This agreement not only provides a critical link for students from HGTC to earn their bachelor’s degree, but it also solidifies the ties between FMU, HGTC and the rest of our region.”
“The partnership between HGTC and FMU is designed to increase the higher education
opportunities for HGTC graduates of our Associate in Applied Science in Teacher Education
program. It’s also another effort to combat the teacher shortage South Carolina and
our local area are facing,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President. “Flexible
options will be offered to assist students, including a three-year accelerated cohort
option as well as online courses to accommodate busy schedules.”
The agreement has been officially signed by both Dr. Fred Carter, President at FMU and Dr. Marilyn M. Fore, President at HGTC.
The program will be available beginning fall 2020 with financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
To learn more about the program, contact program chair Becky Hubbard at 843-349-7117 or rebecca.hubbard@hgtc.edu.