Streamlined Degree Completion Partnership with
Heidelberg University
Structured Pathways for Counseling, Criminal Justice, Teacher Education and Nursing Careers
Heidelberg University (HU) and Tiffin University (TU) have formalized five new academic partnership agreements designed to expand student opportunity, streamline degree completion and meet critical workforce needs in communities here at home and across the region. This partnership offers:
- Clearly defined dual-enrollment and “bridge” pathways that allow students to begin graduate-level coursework earlier
- The ability to transfer credits efficiently between programs and transition seamlessly into advanced degrees.
“These agreements create clear and intentional pathways that help students move more efficiently from undergraduate study into graduate and professional preparation. By aligning programs, expanding access and strengthening academic continuity, we are making it easier for students to stay focused on their goals and enter high-demand careers prepared to lead and serve.”
“These partnerships reflect what is possible when two institutions in the same community intentionally align their strengths in service to students. By creating structured academic pathways across multiple disciplines, we are expanding opportunity, reducing barriers to graduate education and strengthening the talent pipeline to our community and the region.”
Academic Pathways
Counseling Pathway – TU to Heidelberg Master’s Program
A direct pathway connects TU’s undergraduate programs to Heidelberg’s Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), allowing qualified students in criminal justice or related bachelor’s programs to transition into graduate counseling study. The agreement includes:
- Up to three reserved MAC seats for TU early applicants
- Dual enrollment in TU electives and Heidelberg graduate coursework
- Up to six graduate credits completed during undergraduate study
- Credits applied toward both degree levels
Criminal Justice Bridge – Heidelberg to TU Graduate Study
Heidelberg undergraduate criminology and psychology majors gain structured entry into TU’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. This agreement includes:
- Eligibility during junior/senior undergraduate years
- Up to six hours of TU graduate “bridge” coursework
- Electives applied toward both degrees
- Fields include crime analysis, criminal behavior, justice administration, homeland security and forensic psychology
Teacher Education Collaboration
Tiffin University students interested in becoming teachers will have the opportunity to enroll in Heidelberg’s Educator Preparation Program through a dual-enrollment agreement.
- TU provides academic content coursework
- Heidelberg delivers education licensure and certification coursework
- Programs include Adolescence to Young Adult (AYA) and Middle Childhood licensure tracks
- Heidelberg provides advising, library access and academic support services
Expanded Education Licensure Pathway – For First-Time, Full-Time Students
A parallel agreement supports first-time, full-time TU students entering education licensure programs, reinforcing the coordinated delivery of existing education programs and expanding to new programs, including:
- Integrated Social Studies licensure
- Middle Childhood licensure
- AYA teacher preparation pathways
- Early Childhood Education
- Intervention Specialist licensure
Nursing Pathways – RN-to-BSN and MSN Preparation
Registered Nursing (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Preparation
A multi-institutional nursing pathway connects TU and Heidelberg.
- Up to 12 BSN credits completed prior to RN licensure
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) eligibility after AASN (Associate of Applied Science in Nursing) and BAHS (Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences) completion
- Remaining BSN coursework completed at Heidelberg post-licensure
- MSN preparation courses available for eligible RN candidates
“By forging streamlined pathways into teacher education and nursing, we are not only addressing current workforce needs but also pioneering the evolution of education to create sustainable, impactful careers in education and healthcare.”
“Students benefit from clearer academic pathways, stronger career alignment, earlier access to advanced coursework and reduced duplication of effort across programs.”
