The purpose of Major Related Programs (MRP) is to help transfer students better prepare for the junior year.  Two- and four-year institutions work together to create transfer associate pathways, outlining the appropriate courses in order for students to be well prepared to enter the major upon transfer. 

Pathways follow one of the two statewide transfer agreements outlined on the previous page -- the Direct Transfer Agreement Associate Degree (DTA), or the Associate in Science (AS-T). The Joint Access Oversight Group (JAOG) established criteria to identify where MRPs may need to be developed for a given major. 

An MRP will be considered when the following are applicable:

• The number of courses specified as preparation for the major and needed in the first two years is substantial.  
• Several institutions award the bachelor’s degree in the field.
• A credit gap exists: total credits earned by transfers who graduate are substantially higher than credits earned by students who started at a baccalaureate institution.
• A pattern of under-preparation exists for most transfer students. 
• The major is in high demand by students.

Following is a current list of all MRPs as of January 2009.

MRP Pathways Based on the Associate in Science (AS-T)

• Three engineering technology pathways – Electronics Engineering Tech, Computer Engineering Tech, and Mechanical Engineering Tech AS-T/MRP for engineering technology transfer.  Implemented 2007.  Institutions: CWU, EWU, and WWU (these are the only institutions offering these degrees).  

• Three engineering pathways – Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering, Computer and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical/Civil/Aeronautical/Industrial/Materials Science Engineering AS-T/MRP, for engineering transfer.  Implemented in 2005.  Institutions: EWU, UW, WSU, Gonzaga U, St. Martin’s U, Seattle Pacific U, Seattle U, and Walla Walla U. 

• Four secondary science teacher pathways – Associate in Biology Education, Associate in Chemistry Education, Associate in General Science Education, and Associate in Physics Education AS-T/MRP to transfer for teacher certification in secondary sciences.  Implemented 2003.  Institutions: CWU, EWU, WWU, WSU, and St. Martin’s U.