May 19--State officials approved three more baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges on Monday, bringing the total number to 15.
Earlier this year, officials with California's community college system gave preliminary and then final approval to four-year programs at a dozen campuses after 36 schools and districts said they would apply for a chance to offer these degrees.
The new degree programs will be regularly evaluated by state officials and are scheduled to end by July 2023, although lawmakers could renew the program.
Proponents of the degrees say the programs could provide the state with thousands of workers in technical fields at a lower price.
The campuses and programs receiving final approval Monday are:
Rio Hondo College--automotive technology
Santa Monica College--interaction design
Solano Community College--biotechnology
The other, already approved programs:
Antelope Valley College--airframe manufacturing technology
Bakersfield College--industrial automation
Cypress College--mortuary science
Feather River College--equine industry
Foothill College--dental hygiene
Mesa College--health information management
Mira Costa College--biomanufacturing
Modesto Junior College--respiratory care
Santa Ana College--occupational studies
Shasta College--health information management
Skyline College--respiratory care
West Los Angeles College--dental hygiene
