Waukesha County Technical College and Yavapai College to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees

“The reduced credit bachelor’s degree pathways that Yavapai is making available to our students through seamless transfer is an exciting option for our students’ educational journey and the workforce in southeastern Wisconsin." -- Brad Piazza, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026) – Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is excited to welcome leaders from Yavapai College (YC) in Prescott, Ariz., to the WCTC Pewaukee Campus to sign a partnership agreement that will create five, three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree pathways.

>> The signing ceremony is set for Tuesday, Nov. 10,  from 11 a.m. to noon, at the WCTC College Center, Dueco Board Room (C-206).

Yavapai College’s Interim Provost and Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences and Public Services Marylou Mercado, Ed.D., and Lead Dean of Workforce Development, Health Sciences and Public Services Jason Ebersole will travel to Wisconsin for the signing. WCTC President and CEO Rich Barnhouse, Ph.D., and Provost and Executive Vice President Brad Piazza, Ph.D., along with additional College leaders, will also participate in the event.

This agreement provides students in select WCTC programs the chance to transfer into a Yavapai College online bachelor’s degree program in the areas of business or public safety administration. Students will be able to finish in just one additional year post-WCTC, earning a bachelor’s degree in three years versus the traditional four.

“The reduced credit bachelor’s degree pathways that Yavapai is making available to our students through seamless transfer is an exciting option for our students’ educational journey and the workforce in southeastern Wisconsin,” Piazza said. “We look forward to growing our partnership with Yavapai as we continue to reshape the face of higher education in the region.”
The five agreements include:

• WCTC Paramedic Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) → YC Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Public Safety Administration-Paramedicine
• WCTC Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Academy completion (plus WCTC general education credits) → YC BAS in Public Safety Administration-Administration of Justice
• WCTC Associate of Science (AS) → YC BAS in Public Safety Administration-Administration of Justice
• WCTC Associate of Arts (AA) → YC BAS in Public Safety Administration-Administration of Justice
• WCTC Associate of Arts (AA) → YC BAS in Business Administration

Mercado, who has lived and worked in Wisconsin -- and also earned a degree from WCTC – said the collaboration gives students more room for career growth and advancement.
“Returning to WCTC as a partner in creating new opportunities for students is profoundly impactful to me as an alumna,” Mercado said. "I’m looking forward to honoring what this partnership with WCTC will make possible for students and the Wisconsin communities they call home.”

For more details about the transfer agreements, visit www.wctc.edu/WCTC/Admissions/Transfer-Students/Transfer-After-WCTC and select the specific WCTC program to learn more.

About Yavapai College
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.