Clark College has received approval from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to offer a new bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree in applied management. The Vancouver-based community college now seeks approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the college’s regional accrediting body, to offer and begin the program in January 2017.
The BAS in applied management is designed for students who have earned an associate degree in applied science or in applied technology, but lack the broader business-related education needed to advance into management positions.
If approved by the NWCCU, the program would be Clark College’s second applied baccalaureate degree program (a BAS in dental hygiene is currently offered).
“This is an exciting and important step toward being able to give more students access to a bachelor’s degree program that is relevant, affordable and available where they live and work,” said Tim Cook, vice president of instruction at Clark College. “Students who earn this degree increase their opportunities to advance in their careers, earn higher wages and salaries, and to start and own businesses. These are all vital to the health and economic stability of our region.”
In order to gain approval from NWCCU, the program must address the following areas:
- Regional student and employer demand with an emphasis on serving place-bound students;
- Alignment with existing programs offered by the college;
- A rigorous curriculum;
- Qualified faculty;
- Appropriate student services;
- and capacity to make a long-term commitment of resources.
The BAS in applied management will be structured to include in-person, online and hybrid evening classes, allowing students to earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as two years.
