MSU expands military education access through partnership with Keesler Air Force Base

STARKVILLE, Miss.—ӣ�� ӣ�� University has signed an Educational Partnership Agreement with Keesler Air Force Base, paving the way for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Weather and Environment––an MSU Department of Geosciences program that will provide Keesler Air Force members a streamlined pathway to complete a four-year degree.

MSU meteorology students work in the Department of Geosciences computer lab. — MSU meteorology students work in a Department of Geosciences computer lab. Airmen at Keesler Air Force Base now will have a direct pathway for a new MSU Bachelor of Applied Science in Weather and Environment, allowing for accelerated progress toward a bachelor’s degree. (Photo by Beth Wynn)

Approved by the ӣ�� Board of Trustees of ӣ�� Institutions of Higher Learning in May, the proposed BAS degree program will enable airmen to transfer technical training in weather-related fields directly for college credit, accelerating their progress toward a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to build on the military’s rigorous meteorological instruction by integrating applied science coursework and real-world environmental applications.

“This partnership reflects MSU’s longstanding commitment to supporting our nation’s military and enhancing educational access for service members,” said John Rodgers, geosciences professor and department head. “By aligning the strengths of Keesler’s training programs with MSU’s academic resources, we are creating a meaningful opportunity for airmen to advance both their military and civilian careers.”

Located in Biloxi, Keesler Air Force Base is home to the 81st Training Wing and serves as a key site for technical training in the U.S. Air Force, particularly in the meteorology, communications and electronics fields. The base is recognized nationally for its advanced instruction in weather forecasting and environmental monitoring—skills that directly align with the proposed BAS degree’s objectives.

The agreement between MSU and Keesler strengthens both institutions’ shared goal of fostering innovation and professional development through accessible, high-quality education.

MSU repeatedly has been recognized as one of the nation’s foremost Military Friendly universities, with a Top 5 Military Friendly School designation this year.

For more information about the Bachelor of Applied Science program, contact Rodgers at 662-325-1393 or jcr100@msstate.edu.

For more information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Geosciences, visit and .

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