INDIANAPOLIS – Ivy Tech Community College and Ohio Christian University (OCU) announced they have created a statewide transfer agreement and education partnership creating a direct pathway for Ivy Tech students to transfer credits towards a Bachelor degree in one of OCU’s various degree programs. Ivy Tech President Thomas J. Snyder and Ohio Christian President Mark A. Smith signed the agreement.

The Transfer Agreement allows students completing an Associate degree at any of Ivy Tech’s 31 campuses to utilize 60 hours in transfer credit with a maximum of 90 credit hours toward completion of a Bachelor degree at OCU. All of the Bachelor degree programs in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Ohio Christian are delivered entirely online and include disciplines such as Business, Criminal Justice, Psychology, RN-BSN, Substance Abuse Counseling and more. There is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at OCU for any Indiana student. Ivy Tech graduates will be provided a tuition discount as a preferred educational partner of OCU.

Dr. Russell Baker, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Ivy Tech, stated, “Ivy Tech Community College is pleased to partner with Ohio Christian University to provide a new option for our transfer students. OCU’s increased presence within Indiana and online format should make it an attractive option for our students who are seeking to complete their four-year degree at a private, not-for-profit institution.”

The OCU Indiana Director of Enrollment, Shirley Smith commented, “This partnership enabling students to pursue their Bachelor degree online will effectively encourage Ivy Tech graduates to remain in Indiana and build upon the vibrant economy the Hoosier state enjoys. The online programs with Ohio Christian University will allow Ivy Tech grads to work either part-time or full-time while completing their education.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Ohio Christian University, founded in 1948 is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation, and is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. OCU offers degree programs for traditional undergraduate students, graduate students, and adult and online students. Additionally, OCU’s Trailblazer Academy allows high school students to complete college classes online. All programs are designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and the world. Ohio Christian is accredited by the Ohio Board of Regents, the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission, and the Association for Biblical Higher Education.