Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) has signed a new 2+2 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA), creating a clear and accessible transfer pathway for BPCC students earning an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science. This agreement allows BPCC graduates to transfer directly into LSUA’s Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in Disaster Science and Emergency Management.
Through this partnership, BPCC students who complete their associate degree and meet LSUA’s admission requirements will be able to transfer up to 57 credit hours toward the bachelor’s degree. They will then complete an additional 63 credit hours at LSUA to finish the program. This structured pathway supports BPCC students in advancing their education and pursuing in-demand careers in disaster preparedness and emergency management—fields that are critically important to Louisiana and the broader region.
BPCC Chancellor Rick Bateman, Jr., Ph.D., emphasized the college’s commitment to student success and long-term academic planning: “Building pathways for our students to begin their college career with an eventual bachelor’s degree in mind is important to us. BPCC grads are special students, because we think a lot about ‘caring our students to success’ with caring and attentive faculty and staff pouring into students who develop resiliency in pursuit of their educational goals.”
Beau Bevan, Fire Science Project Director at BPCC, added, “This partnership gives our Fire Science graduates a powerful opportunity to continue their education and deepen their expertise in emergency management. The ability to build on the strong foundation they’ve gained at BPCC and seamlessly transition to a four-year degree will not only benefit our students but also strengthen emergency response efforts throughout the state.”
This new agreement not only supports students in completing their degrees but also strengthens the pipeline of trained professionals ready to meet the state’s growing workforce needs in emergency response and disaster recovery. The collaboration is expected to increase enrollment, boost degree attainment, and provide real-world skills that benefit students, communities, and emergency agencies across Louisiana.
Regular assessments and program evaluations will ensure the transfer process remains effective, with both institutions committed to maintaining high academic standards and continuous improvement.
This partnership marks another important step in BPCC’s ongoing efforts to create accessible, affordable pathways for students to achieve their educational and professional goals. By connecting BPCC programs with bachelor’s degree opportunities, the college continues to expand its impact and empower students to thrive in today’s workforce.
For more information BPCC’s Fire Science program, visit www.bpcc.edu/FireScience.