Roane State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University have signed articulation agreements partnering with Tennessee Flight Training and supporting streamlined transfer opportunities for students pursuing two of the community college's newest offerings – aerospace and fire science.

Presidents from both institutions and the president of Tennessee Flight Training met at Roane State's campus in Cumberland County on Aug. 6 to sign the agreements. Now qualified Roane State students will be able to transfer seamlessly to MTSU with clearly defined course equivalencies and academic plans that guide them to a bachelor's degree.

"We are blessed to be the community college of choice for many students in our service area, serving as a bridge between high school and university, or supporting students returning to the classroom for the first time in years," Roane State President Chris Whaley stated in a news release. "Ensuring the transfer process is an easy one – especially with one of our most popular four-year partners – is a priority for our team. We look forward to seeing how these pathways benefit existing students and attract new students to consider these options."

Under the first agreement, students who complete an associate of science degree at Roane State with an emphasis in aerospace can transfer into MTSU's bachelor of science in aerospace program. They may pursue one of four concentrations: flight dispatch, aviation management, unmanned aircraft systems operations or unmanned aircraft systems technology.

A fifth concentration is available for professional pilot. Students pursuing this will complete 47 credit hours at RSCC before transferring to MTSU to complete their bachelor's degree, with the option to reverse transfer MTSU credits to earn their associate degree along the way.

RSCC and MTSU have also partnered with Tennessee Flight Training on the aerospace pathways to provide students access to the largest aircraft fleet in the state, certified flight instructors and advanced simulators.

"Roane State has long been one of this region's greatest educational assets, providing countless students with opportunities to build meaningful careers," said Chris Erlanson, president of Tennessee Flight Training. "We're honored to be part of this partnership and to help create a clear pathway for students who want to pursue a rewarding, in-demand career in aviation. Together, we're making it easier than ever for aspiring pilots to combine a strong academic foundation with high-quality flight training."

The second agreement establishes a pathway from Roane State's soon-to-be implemented associate of applied science degree in fire science technology to MTSU's bachelor of science in integrated studies with a concentration in public safety, with program requirements available entirely through online coursework.

This option is designed for students seeking to begin or advance careers in fire service, emergency management, homeland security, and related public safety fields. Several students are already enrolled in RSCC's new fire science classes this fall.

Both agreements provide students with a direct route into Tennessee's largest locally governed university while preserving transfer credit for coursework completed at Roane State. The pathways also provide access to specialized training in the student's chosen field and clear academic plans they can follow to achieve their goals.

"We are proud of our partnership with Roane State and this agreement we sign today is special in many ways," said MTSU President Sidney McPhee. "I am pleased to affirm our shared commitment to a seamless transfer of students pursuing aerospace and fire science careers from this strong community college to Middle Tennessee State University's world-class programs. Both institutions share a common devotion to student success."

Additional information on the new academic pathways can be found online at roanestate.edu/gentech and roanestate.edu/ait. 

Roane State Associate Professor Johnny Jones, who is leading the college’s new fire science pathway, shares a Roane State Fire Science challenge coin with MTSU President Sidney McPhee.
Roane State Associate Professor Johnny Jones, who is leading the college’s new fire science pathway, shares a Roane State Fire Science challenge coin with MTSU President Sidney McPhee.
Roane State, Middle Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Flight Training representatives pause for a photo during the recent articulation agreement signing at Roane State's Cumberland County Campus. Seated at front (L-R) are RSCC President Chris Whaley, Tennessee Flight Training President Chris Erlanson, and MTSU President Sidney McPhee. Pictured in the back row (L-R) are Dean Cody Miller and Cumberland County Campus Director Dewayne McGhee with Roane State, Base Manager Regina Diaz and Certified Flight Instructor Jamie Stevens with Tennessee Flight Training, RSCC’s Applied and Innovative Technology Division Dean Sylvia Pastor, and RSCC Vice President for Student Learning Diane Ward.
Roane State, Middle Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Flight Training representatives pause for a photo during the recent articulation agreement signing at Roane State's Cumberland County Campus. Seated at front (L-R) are RSCC President Chris Whaley, Tennessee Flight Training President Chris Erlanson, and MTSU President Sidney McPhee. Pictured in the back row (L-R) are Dean Cody Miller and Cumberland County Campus Director Dewayne McGhee with Roane State, Base Manager Regina Diaz and Certified Flight Instructor Jamie Stevens with Tennessee Flight Training, RSCC’s Applied and Innovative Technology Division Dean Sylvia Pastor, and RSCC Vice President for Student Learning Diane Ward.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Roane State inks agreements with MTSU for aerospace, fire science path