Colleges Signed Virginia Manufacturing Transfer Agreement
Danville Community College and Old Dominion University have created a pathway for industrial technology students.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Danville Community College and Old Dominion University established a new transfer agreement for students in industrial fields. The partnership allows students to move credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
Why it matters
The agreement removes educational barriers for students and is designed to address pressing manufacturing workforce needs across Southern Virginia. It streamlines the transition from an associate degree to a four-year bachelor's degree.
The partnership spans a 4-year bachelor's degree program following completion of an Associate of Applied Science. It is currently unclear how many students will utilize this new transfer pathway annually.
The players
Danville Community College
This educational institution is located in Danville and offers an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance Technology.
Old Dominion University
Based in Norfolk, this university provides a Bachelor of Science degree program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
The details
Students completing an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance Technology at Danville Community College can now transfer coursework directly into the Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University. The curriculum includes industrial electricity, mechanical systems, instrumentation, programmable logic controllers, and hydraulics and pneumatics.
Timeline
The agreement was formally established as of October 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
This partnership aligns with the broader Virginia regional manufacturing workforce initiative aimed at closing technical skills gaps. It positions both schools to better supply the state with engineering-ready talent by formalizing credit pathways.
Students can now avoid repeating coursework when advancing their education, saving both time and tuition costs on their path to a degree. This change makes it easier for workers in Southern Virginia to gain advanced manufacturing credentials.
The takeaway
Students looking to advance their careers should verify which specific credits are eligible for transfer under this new policy. Proactive planning can significantly reduce the total time required to achieve a four-year degree.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to bolster industry training in the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chatham Star-Tribune.
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