HILLSBORO, MO (KMOX)--A bill aimed at streamlining the transfer of college credits across Missouri is on the desk of Governor Mike Kehoe following passage by the Missouri General Assembly.
The legislation, known as the Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act, would establish a standardized 60-credit-hour lower-division course block in five high-demand degree programs: general business, elementary education, general psychology, nursing, and general biology or biological sciences. The goal is to allow students who complete these credits at any public community college in the state to transfer seamlessly into a matching program at any Missouri public university.
Supporters say the bill will reduce barriers for students seeking to complete four-year degrees after beginning at two-year institutions. Jefferson College President Dr. Dena McCaffrey called the move 'a win' for students and families, saying it will help them save time and money while improving educational outcomes.
"In the past, there had been challenges for students," Dr. McCaffrey said. "Those hours might transfer in as an elective for certain programs but not count as core program requirements and they'd have to take the same class."
In addition to the pathway to transfer, the bill mandates a statewide course numbering system to make it less confusing to transfer between schools.
"This is really a student focused bill to ensure that seamless transfer for them," Dr. McCaffrey said.
The bill awaits the governor's signature to become law.