Tyler Junior College students will now have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree through a partnership with Texas A&M University-Commerce.

The three-year agreement between the university and the college is effective Friday, but officials from both institutions made the announcement today.

The partnership will help students complete their degrees through A&M-Commerce after they receive a foundation at TJC, according to a university news release.

“The best way for colleges and universities to deliver on the promise of educational opportunity is through partnership,” A&M-Commerce President Dan R. Jones said, according to the news release. “We are extraordinarily pleased that through the partnership that A&M-Commerce and Tyler Junior College has developed, more students than ever before will be able to secure their future by earning a baccalaureate degree.”

The partnership will positively affect students with TJC associate degrees as well as students who plan to transfer before completing the coursework for their two-year degrees, according to the news release.

“We are honored to partner with Texas A&M University-Commerce to provide expanded educational opportunities for students in East Texas,” TJC President Dr. Mike Metke said, according to the news release.