VCSU and UND Sign Memorandum of Agreement

New partnership creates flexible engineering pathways for students

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:39pm

Valley City State University and the University of North Dakota have signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that allows VCSU students to take engineering courses online through UND's College of Engineering & Mines while completing face-to-face coursework at VCSU. The agreement ensures seamless transfer of coursework between the two institutions and expands access to high-quality engineering pathways.

Why it matters

This partnership highlights the power of collaboration within the North Dakota University System, creating meaningful, student-centered pathways into high-demand engineering fields. It preserves the supportive learning environment VCSU is known for while giving students more flexibility and strong preparation.

The details

Under the agreement, VCSU students can pursue an Associate of Arts degree in applied mathematics for pre-engineering before transferring to UND, or they may choose to remain at VCSU for up to four years to complete a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a pre-engineering focus. The four-year option is particularly beneficial for student-athletes who wish to continue competing for the Vikings while preparing for engineering careers. Students may prepare for UND engineering programs including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, geological, mechanical, and petroleum engineering.

  • The agreement took effect on January 1, 2026.

The players

Valley City State University

A public university located in Valley City, North Dakota.

University of North Dakota

A public research university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Dr. Jamie Wirth

Chair of the VCSU Department of Mathematics.

Larry Brooks

VCSU Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Allen Burgad

VCSU Interim President.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This agreement expands access to high-quality engineering pathways while preserving the supportive learning environment VCSU is known for. Students gain flexibility and strong preparation without having to leave VCSU before they are ready.”

— Dr. Jamie Wirth, Chair of the VCSU Department of Mathematics

“This partnership highlights the power of collaboration within the North Dakota University System. By aligning curricula and transfer processes, we are creating meaningful, student-centered pathways into high-demand fields.”

— Larry Brooks, VCSU Vice President for Academic Affairs

“NDUS institutions have a shared commitment to access, collaboration, and workforce development. This agreement demonstrates how we can work together to better serve students and the state.”

— Dr. Allen Burgad, VCSU Interim President

What’s next

The new engineering pathways created by this agreement will be available to VCSU students starting in the fall 2026 semester.

The takeaway

This partnership between VCSU and UND showcases the power of collaboration within the North Dakota University System to create flexible, student-centered pathways that expand access to high-demand engineering programs while preserving the supportive learning environment VCSU is known for.