Williston, ND — Williston State College (WSC) has expanded its innovative Degree Bridge program through new partnerships with Minot State University and Valley City State University, creating additional opportunities for students to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the Williston community.
The announcement follows an earlier press conference on campus, where leaders from all participating institutions outlined how the expanded collaboration will provide more accessible and flexible pathways to four-year degrees. Minot State University and Valley City State University now join Dickinson State University—alongside Mayville State University, which was announced as an early partner and is preparing to launch its pathways—in delivering bachelor’s degree completion options directly connected to WSC.
The Degree Bridge program is designed as a co-matriculation model, allowing students to begin at WSC while simultaneously working toward a bachelor’s degree through a partner university. With aligned coursework, coordinated advising, and shared resources, students can complete both their associate and bachelor’s degrees in a streamlined and cost-effective way—all while remaining in their home community.
“This expansion represents a major step forward in how we serve students in northwest North Dakota,” said Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. “Degree Bridge was designed to remove barriers. By bringing more university partners to our campus, we’re creating real access—allowing students to stay here, remain connected to their community, and still achieve their long-term academic and career goals.”
Through the partnership with Minot State University, students can pursue a range of in-demand bachelor’s degrees, including:
- Psychology
- Addiction Studies
- Social Work
- Corporate Fitness and Wellness Management
- Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
Each pathway is intentionally structured so that coursework completed at WSC directly contributes to a student’s progress toward their bachelor’s degree, reducing both time and cost.
“Minot State is proud to partner with WSC in creating new opportunities for students seeking bachelor’s degrees in a broad range of academic areas,” said Dr. Steven Shirley, President of Minot State University. “We have a deep history at MSU in the fields of Psychology, Addiction Studies, Social Work, Corporate Fitness and Wellness Management, and Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, and look forward to this new collaboration with WSC and the positive impact on students we’ll educate.”
The addition of Valley City State University introduces a focused pathway in education, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education while staying in Williston. The program prepares future educators to teach grades 1–8 and emphasizes real-world classroom experience without requiring students to transfer campuses. Students can further customize their degree through endorsements in early childhood education, kindergarten, special education, and teaching English language learners, as well as certificates in middle school education, reading, and STEM education.
“This effort reflects a shared responsibility to develop highly skilled educators for the future,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president of Valley City State University. “By aligning our programs, we’re helping students move confidently into teaching careers while addressing the increasing demand for qualified teachers.”
Students typically complete their first two years at WSC before transitioning into upper-level coursework through their partner institution, often while continuing to live and learn in Williston. This approach allows students to maintain their support systems, reduce relocation costs, and remain engaged in the region they are preparing to serve.
Students interested in learning more about Degree Bridge opportunities can visit willistonstate.edu/DegreeBridge or contact WSC Admissions at 701-774-4200.