Butler Community College business administration students who graduate with an associate degree are now able to seamlessly transfer into Wichita State University's W. Frank Barton School of Business.

Once accepted into WSU's business administration track, Butler students may choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration. The two institutions finalized the agreement with a special signing on Butler's Andover campus Friday, Aug. 24.

“It's a great opportunity for our students,” said Lori Winningham, vice president of academics at Butler. “This agreement clarifies and simplifies a pathway for our students to go from Butler to WSU's school of business.”

The business professors and their deans from both colleges worked together to ensure Butler classes would transfer directly into Wichita State's business administration program.

“Butler is the largest transfer institution for Wichita State,” said Wichita State Provost Richard Muma. “These agreements are important because of the seamless transfer of students to WSU.”

Because of this agreement, Butler students who obtain an associate degree in business administration can transfer to WSU and have the capability of receiving a bachelor's degree in business administration within a four-year timeframe.

“We are thankful for our strong partnership with Wichita State,” said Butler President Kim Krull. “This is going to make it easier for our students to transfer.”

Wichita State's Dean of the School of Business, Anand Desai, is excited about making the transition from Butler to WSU an easy one.

“This agreement lessens the students' anxiety,” Desai said.

Both Butler's and WSU's business administration programs are accredited. Butler's business administration degree is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). WSU's program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Both are international business organizations that inspire quality.