Residents of Salem and Burlington counties now have new options for degrees, thanks to a partnership formed by Burlington County College and Salem Community College on Friday.

The two schools signed memoranda of understanding to offer three-degree programs at in-county rates, including a program that has had nearly 100 percent job placement the last three years for its graduates.

Salem Community College offers the only associates degree in scientific glass technology in the nation. The program, which teaches students how to create functioning glass tools for laboratory and other scientific uses, sees most of its graduates employed in the first six months after graduation. Eight students who apply through Burlington County College will be accepted into the program annually.

David Spang, the vice president of academic programs for Burlington County College, said in the announcement the partnership furthers both institutions' goals of "addressing the work force needs of the region."

The other two programs — an associate fine arts degree in glass craft and design, and an associate of applied science in sustainable energy technology — also are now open to residents of both counties.

Burlington County College enrolled more than 10,000 students in the fall of 2011, while Salem Community College has an enrollment of 1,500 students per semester.

The two schools did not immediately respond to calls seeking further comment.