M State and Concordia expand academic pathways and student opportunities

Concordia College and M State have formalized an academic partnership that will create new opportunities for students at both institutions through articulation agreements, shared programming and innovative collaborations. 

Administrators celebrated with a signing ceremony on May 7 at Concordia during an informal meet-and-greet event for instructors from both institutions. 

The gathering marked the official launch of several new initiatives:

• Three articulation agreements for biology, psychology, and business, which defined pathways for M State graduates to transfer seamlessly to Concordia to complete a bachelor’s degree.
• A new memorandum of understanding allowing M State students to participate in study away programs through Concordia.
• The development of a new interdisciplinary minor in criminal justice at Concordia, in which Concordia students take coursework taught by M State faculty through the Metro College Alliance course-sharing model. 

Concordia’s provost and dean, Dr. Susan Larson, expressed her enthusiasm about the agreements, noting the similarities between the schools. 

“Both M State and Concordia College are deeply committed to creating attainable and accessible educational pathways for students, to ensuring students achieve high levels of success, and to strengthening the Fargo-Moorhead region,” Larson said. “I’m grateful for this partnership and excited about how it will enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of our students and contribute to the vitality of our communities.” 

Dr. Matt Borcherding, provost and vice president for academic affairs at M State, underscored the importance of the collaboration.

“We are excited about the new articulation agreements with Concordia College,” Borcherding said. “These agreements provide our students with seamless transfer opportunities, enhancing their educational and career prospects. Additionally, this collaboration fosters faculty partnerships, enriching academic programs and promoting innovative teaching practices. Together, we are committed to student success and lifelong learning in the Metro.” 

About Concordia College 
Concordia College is a four-year liberal arts college in Moorhead, Minnesota, whose mission is to prepare students to influence the affairs of the world. Founded in 1891, the college offers more than 140 areas of study through the School of Arts and Sciences, Offutt School of Business and Sanford Heimarck School of Health Professions. The college’s academics are designed to develop students’ critical and creative thinking skills while giving them a broad perspective on the world and its people. Learn more at ConcordiaCollege.edu. 

About M State 
A member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, M State (Minnesota State Community and Technical College) serves more than 10,000 students in credit and non-credit courses each year in over 70 career and liberal arts programs online and in person at its four campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, and Wadena. The college also partners with communities to provide workforce development services and other responsive training programs to 500 businesses and thousands of annual participants.