MARIETTA, OHIO — Students across Washington County have new opportunities to turn the skills they develop in high school into college credit at Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) thanks to a series of articulation agreements with local schools.
The agreements allow eligible students who complete select career-technical programs at Fort Frye High School, Belpre High School, Warren High School, and the Washington County Career Center to receive articulated college credit at Washington State. Articulated credit recognizes eligible high school coursework and applies it toward a Washington State certificate or degree after a student graduates from high school and enrolls at WSCO.
Unlike College Credit Plus, students do not take college classes while in high school. Instead, they complete approved high school career-technical coursework that aligns with Washington State’s curriculum, allowing them to receive college credit after graduation. Once students apply, they will only receive credit if they apply to WSCO. Students have up to four years after graduating from high school to enroll at Washington State and apply their articulated credit toward an eligible program.
“Creating strong connections between our high schools and Washington State helps students see a clear path from the classroom to college and ultimately to a rewarding career,” said Tracey Hooper-Porter, Dean of Technology and Transfer at Washington State. “These agreements recognize the skills students are already developing while helping us strengthen the workforce pipeline for our region. By working together, we’re preparing the next generation of technicians, manufacturers, and skilled professionals our local employers need.”
The agreements provide significant opportunities for students to accelerate their education. Depending on their high school program, eligible students may enter Washington State with between 12 and 20 articulated college credit hours that can be applied toward an eligible certificate or degree.
Students enrolled in Fort Frye High School’s Engineering and Mechatronics program or Warren High School’s Precision Machining program may earn up to 20 college credit hours toward Washington State’s Manufacturing Certificate. Belpre High School students completing the Robotics pathway may receive up to 14 credit hours toward the same certificate, while students in the Washington County Career Center’s Automotive and Diesel programs may receive 12 credit hours toward Washington State’s one-year Automotive and Diesel certificates. Because several Washington State certificates require around 30-32 credit hours, eligible students may enter Washington State with a significant portion of their certificate already completed, saving both time and tuition.
Students who also participate in College Credit Plus can build on these opportunities by completing general education coursework while in high school, allowing them to enter Washington State even further ahead in their educational journey.
Together, these agreements strengthen the connection between Washington County schools and Washington State College of Ohio, creating more opportunities for students while helping meet the region’s growing workforce needs.
“These partnerships are about investing in the future of Washington County,” said Hooper-Porter. “When our schools work together, students are better prepared for college, employers have access to a stronger talent pipeline, and our communities benefit from a workforce that’s ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.”
