Mesa Community College and Northern Arizona University have launched a new transfer pathway allowing students in MCC’s Beauty and Wellness program to earn a bachelor’s degree in strategic leadership from NAU at a fraction of the traditional cost—without needing to relocate.
This innovative option, called a 90/30 bachelor’s degree pathway, enables students to complete up to 90 college credits at MCC, where tuition is lower, and then complete the final 30 credits with NAU. What makes this pathway unique is that students take MCC and NAU courses concurrently, allowing them to begin their core coursework while still finishing credits at MCC. The final NAU courses—focused on leadership, business and strategic thinking—can be completed online, allowing students to stay in their communities, continue working and finish their degrees on a flexible schedule.
“This pathway is a practical, student-focused approach to higher education,” said MCC Program Director Krista Fabrick, DBA. “It makes it possible for beauty and wellness professionals to continue their education while advancing in their careers, without taking on excessive debt or having to pause their lives.”
The pathway is open to graduates and final-semester students in MCC’s Associate in Applied Science in Beauty and Wellness program. The associate’s degree provides students with the skills, confidence, and leadership qualities needed for success in the beauty industry. Now, through NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership, students can build on that foundation and prepare for leadership roles in salons, spas, retail management, education and other areas of the industry.
“NAU’s Educational Partnerships office is proud to partner with Mesa Community College to offer a streamlined, career-focused pathway for Beauty and Wellness graduates. With just 10 fully online NAU courses, students can complete a bachelor’s degree in strategic leadership in a cohort format, while working and growing together professionally. This program features a flexible schedule, personalized advising, and a curriculum focused on real-world leadership skills that prepares graduates to manage teams, support organizational goals, and foster positive workplace cultures,” said Brenda Sipe, NAU associate vice president of Workforce Development.
Highlights of the MCC–NAU bachelor’s degree pathway include:
- Affordable tuition: Complete the majority of credits at MCC before transferring to NAU. Participants in this pathway receive a 10% tuition reduction on all NAU courses, making this an even more cost-effective path to a bachelor’s degree. MCC coursework is taken concurrently, with two MCC and two NAU courses each term.
- Career advancement: Gain real-world leadership and business skills tailored to working professionals.
- Flexible learning: Take classes online while continuing to work and stay in your local community.
- Streamlined transfer: MCC students receive guidance to stay on track and transition smoothly into university-level coursework.
