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., WCTC provost and executive vice president

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026) – Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) welcomed leaders from Yavapai College (YC) in Prescott, Ariz., to the WCTC Pewaukee Campus earlier today to signan articulation agreement that will create five, three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree pathways.

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 traveled 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 deans, associate deans and other leaders, also participated in the event.

This agreement provides students in select WCTC programs the chance to transfer into a fully online Yavapai College 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 an optimized bachelor’s degree in three years versus the traditional four, saving time and money.

Piazza said while there are many miles between WCTC and YC, this agreement demonstrates that a partnership doesn’t need to be limited by geography; it also spotlights a high-quality, academically sound educational path for students to reach their goals.

“Today is really about our students and what comes next. 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.”

Summary of articulation agreements

The five agreements celebrated during the event include:

•  WCTC Paramedic Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) → YC Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Public Safety Administration-Paramedicineo    
  • 93 total credits: 63 completed at WCTC with the remaining 30 at YC
• WCTC Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Academy (plus WCTC general education credits) → YC BAS in Public Safety Administration-Administration of Justice
  •  92 total credits: completion of academy plus general education credits totaling 62 with the remaining 30 at YC
• WCTC Associate of Science (AS) → YC BAS in Public Safety Administration-Administration of Justice
  • 92 total credits: 59 completed at WCTC with the remaining 33 at YC
• WCTC Associate of Arts (AA) → YC BAS in Public Safety Administration – Administration of Justice
  • 92 total credits: 59 completed at WCTC with the remaining 33 at YC
• WCTC Associate of Arts (AA) → YC BAS in Business
  • 92 total credits: 56 completed at WCTC with the remaining 36 at YC

Mercado, who has lived and worked in Wisconsin -- and also earned a Nursing degree from WCTC – said the collaboration gives students more room for career growth and advancement, allowing them to remain in their communities while completing their next degree. 

“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.”

WCTC is the fourth Wisconsin Technical College System institution to have such agreements in place with YC. Additional state institutions that have signed similar agreements include Lakeshore College, Mid-State Technical College and Moraine Park Technical College. 

Yavapai College was the first community/technical college in the nation to offer a three-year optimized bachelor’s degree; it officially launched in fall 2025.

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.