SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5928

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: In 2005, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) was given authority to select four community or technical colleges to develop and offer programs of study leading to applied baccalaureate degrees on a pilot basis. An applied baccalaureate degree is a baccalaureate degree awarded by a community or technical college which expands on the curriculum from an associate of applied science degree, or its equivalent, and incorporates both theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in a specific technical field. In 2010, the pilot status and limitation on the number of colleges was removed. In order for a college to offer an applied baccalaureate degree, the college must receive approval from the SBCTC by demonstrating:

resource capacity;
that the college has the appropriate faculty;
that there is student and employer demand; and
that the program would fulfill a gap in options available for students because the program is not offered by a public four-year institution of higher education in the college's geographic area.

All programs must be approved by the SBCTC. The community and technical colleges do not have authority to offer bachelor degrees.

In 2014-15, there were 15 colleges offering applied baccalaureate degrees, and 1037 students enrolled in applied baccalaureate degree programs in the community and technical college system.

Summary of Bill (Proposed First Substitute): Bellevue College is authorized to offer bachelor of science degrees in computer science. Bellevue College may develop the curriculum for and design and deliver courses leading to these bachelor degrees. The Bellevue bachelor degree program must be approved by the SBCTC before enrolling students in upper-division courses.