University
Center of the Mountains
One Community College Dr.
Hazard, KY 41701
606-487-3182
1-800-246-7521 Ext. 73182
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The University Center of the Mountains (UCM) is a dynamic consortium of postsecondary educational institutions bringing more bachelor and master degrees and educational opportunities close to home in southeastern Kentucky. The partnership will add other universities and colleges to deliver more advanced degrees based on student, employer and community demand.
The six present partners are: Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC), the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), Lindsey Wilson College (LWC) Midway College and Morehead State University (MSU).
The UCM service area is the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) which serves the following eight counties: Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, Lee, Leslie, Owsley and Wolfe.
Since the formation of this partnership in July 2003, over 750 students have enrolled in eighteen bachelor and seven master degree programs. UCM classes and services are physically provided on the campuses of HCTC in four counties. Students earn their degrees from the institution offering the particular program in which they enroll and complete.
The degree programs presently available are:
Eastern Kentucky University
• Bachelor of Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of General Studies
• Bachelor of Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Career and Technical Education
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Master of Science Degree in Career and Technical Education
• Master of Science Degree in Nursing – (Two Options) Family Nurse Practitioner and Rural Health Community Nursing Specialist
Lindsey Wilson College
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Counseling
• Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
Midway College
• Bachelor of Arts in Teaching, Certification in Elementary Education (P-5), Certification option in Middle Grades (5-9) and certification option in Learning Behavior Disorders (P-12). (Whitesburg Campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College )
• Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security Assessment
• Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management
Morehead State University
• Bachelor of Arts Early Elementary Education (P-5 Certification)
• Bachelor of Arts Early Elementary Education (P-5) and Learning Behavior Disorders (P-12) (dual certification)
• Bachelor of Arts Middle Grades Education (5-9 Certification)
• Bachelor of University Studies
• Master of Public Administration
Existing Online Partner Degree Programs
Eastern Kentucky University
• Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management
Kentucky State University
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
Morehead State University
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Accounting (option)
• Finance (option)
• Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship (option)
• Bachelor of Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
• Bachelor of University Studies
• General Studies (option)
• Health Services (option)
• Master of Business Administration
University of the Cumberlands
• Master of Arts in Education
In addition to advanced degrees, the partners intend to work collaboratively to bring other credit and non-credit lifelong learning opportunities as well as certificates, diplomas, and professional certifications. The consortia intends to address the economic and workforce needs, leadership and community development needs in Eastern Kentucky.
Quality programs and classes are taught by qualified faculty employed by the individual institutions. Courses are taught by in-person faculty, and in the various distance education modes including, interactive television video (ITV), Internet, or web enhanced.
The UCM is a cost-effective means to increase access to articulated degree programs. The UCM is not a new university, but instead a partnership which encourages collaboration and sharing resources to benefit the students and community.
The UCM is unique to other university centers or centers of higher education. Courses and student services are available on not just one site but on the HCTC campuses. Student services include assistance with applications, registration, advising and financial aid. The UCM administrative offices are located in the J. Marvin Jolly Classroom Center on the Hazard Campus of HCTC Room 152. A $395,000 Appalachian Regional Commission 5,700 square feet grant project provided offices housing the partners.
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The need for the UCM is tremendous. Despite making significant progress
in the past several decades in educational and economic attainment, Southeastern
Kentucky lags behind other regions of the Commonwealth, as well as, the
United States in the number of bachelor degrees and beyond. This region
has the lowest percentage of college graduates over the age of 25. Only
8.6% of the eligible population in the Kentucky River Area Development
District holds a bachelor’s degree, compared to 17.1% statewide
and 24.4% nationally.