BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is excited to expand educational opportunities to all incoming undergraduate students actively working to earn their four-year bachelor’s degree. Awarded automatically after completing 60 eligible credit hours toward their bachelor’s degree, embedded associate degrees are built-in milestones that are part of the UMHB bachelor’s degree plan.
“This new concept of a mid-degree academic credential sets UMHB apart in the landscape of higher education,” explained Dr. John Vassar, UMHB’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Starting this fall, UMHB students can earn two degrees in their undergraduate journey. An embedded associate degree that students earn along the way to their bachelor’s degree is a significant value-add for our students and comes at no extra cost. We’re excited to offer this to all incoming UMHB undergraduate students.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as a worker’s educational attainment rises, their earnings increase. 2024 data shows that the median annual earnings for workers with an associate degree are $8,788 more per year than those of workers with only a high school diploma. The unemployment rate is also one-third lower for those with an associate degree compared to high school graduates. Completing a bachelor’s degree offers the greatest financial opportunity for students.
“While associate degrees are not the final destination,” Vassar said, “this new associate degree credential is an important demonstration of academic progress that our students will achieve during their educational journey with us. This addition enhances the value of a UMHB undergraduate degree and rewards our students’ progress and hard work toward graduating with a four-year degree.”
All incoming UMHB students will automatically follow a pathway that qualifies them for an associate degree after completing the required coursework, unless they choose to opt out. Each embedded associate degree will include 40 hours of general education and 20 hours of bachelor’s degree coursework, with at least 30 hours completed at UMHB.
