ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — Western Kentucky University and Elizabethtown Community & Technical College's Robbins University Center are expanding their partnership with a new Bachelor of Science in Management: Human Resource Management, according to The Lane Report.

The program, offered through WKU's Gordon Ford College of Business, holds accreditation from AACSB International and aligns with standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management. The Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the agreement was signed on June 9 by ECTC Provost Dr. Telly Sellars and WKU's Gordon Ford College of Business Dean Dr. Evelyn Thrasher.

"Together, we're creating a pathway where students can begin at ECTC, continue with WKU, and ultimately build careers that strengthen this entire region," Thrasher said in a statement. "We don't see a hard line between an ECTC student and a WKU student—we see one student, on one journey, who happens to pass through both of our institutions."

The program combines online and face-to-face coursework to serve working students. The pathway begins with students earning an associate degree at ECTC before transferring to WKU to complete their bachelor's degree. ECTC students are encouraged to meet with WKU advisors early to develop a seamless and cost-effective transfer plan.

Employment in human resources-related fields is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The program targets regional workforce needs while allowing students to complete their degrees close to home.

"This new degree reflects our shared commitment to creating flexible educational pathways that support students, align with workforce needs, and encourage economic growth in our region," said Dr. Derick Strode, director of WKU Regional Campuses. Registration for the Fall 2026 semester is now open. For more information, visit the WKU in Elizabethtown website.