BECKLEY, W.Va. -- Bluefield State College and New River Community and Technical College are collaborating to help students obtain a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

The schools' presidents signed a memorandum of understanding for an elementary education collaborative program on Monday.

Under the agreement, New River students can transfer to Bluefield State's School of Education and complete their coursework for a four-year degree close to home.

One to four courses will be offered as needed by Bluefield State per semester. The courses will be delivered on weekends, weekdays or evenings at New River's Greenbrier Valley Campus in Lewisburg and at the Public Higher Education Center in Beaver. Courses also may be delivered through distance learning technologies.