ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -- They say it actually became official September 4.

Belmont Technical College has been approved to offer "transfer degrees."

That means, according to the college president, that they have achieved community college status.

Belmont Technical College will still offer two-year technical or associate degrees.

But now they can also offer transfer programs.

In other words, they can offer the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree.

"We're starting out with two tracks, an associate of arts degree and an associate of science degree, and both of those are in general studies," says BTC President Joseph Bukowski. "But students can customize both of those degrees, depending on what they plan to major in for their bachelor's degree."

He said they have not yet set up articulation agreements with other institutions.

But they expect that once that's done, students will be able to transfer to any of Ohio's 11 state universities, or to various private colleges and universities in the Ohio Valley.

Students were pleased to hear they can apply their education toward a full bachelor's degree.

"I think it's a great opportunity from this great school," said Melinda Oliver, accounting major. "Then we'll be able to transfer to a different college to get a better future out of school."

Radiology Major Kodie Rush agreed.

"I think it's a good opportunity that most students can transfer to another college and get a four-year degree," said Rush.

So will Belmont Technical College change its name?

"Not yet," says President Bukowski. "We're waiting on some other structural changes in the state of Ohio and as a result of that we've decided to stay with our name at least for the foreseeable future."