On Monday, March 16, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors gave final approval to Skyline College and 11 other community colleges to participate in a landmark pilot program that allows them to offer bachelor’s degrees in fields such as respiratory therapy, dental hygiene and aerospace manufacturing technology.
“This is an appropriate expansion of our mission designed to meet the needs of an economy that is requiring more workers with four-year degrees,” said Geoffrey L. Baum, president of the Board of Governors. “We have consulted closely with the leadership of the California State University system throughout this process and are pleased to approve these innovative pilot programs that will provide students with affordable degree options in fields that have demonstrated job growth.”
Initial approval was granted in January, pending additional evaluation of the proposals by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and further consultation with California State University and the University of California.
Skyline College’s new baccalaureate degree program in respiratory care will be one of just three 4-year degree programs in this field offered in the state of California (Modesto Junior College was also selected to create a program as part of this pilot project, and one other currently exists at a private college in Southern California.) The first cohort of 25 students is expected to begin in the fall of 2016.
“This is a great opportunity to provide further education for the profession of Respiratory Care, and Skyline College is well poised to meet this need,” said Dean of Math, Science and Technology Raymond Hernandez. “This is yet another way in which Skyline shines.”
For additional information about Skyline College’s plans, please see our FAQ.
Read the full press release.
Article by Jennifer Owen-Blackmon | Photo by Maryam Hadi
