Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
SSB 5559
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. |
Brief Description: Authorizing educational specialist degrees at Central Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Bailey, Kohl-Welles, Tom and McAuliffe).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/12/13
Staff: Luke Wickham (786-7146).
Background:
The regional universities include Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and Western Washington University. As stated in statute, the primary purposes of the regional universities are to offer undergraduate and graduate programs through the master's degree. Statute further defines the specific types of degrees that these universities may provide. Statute authorizes bachelor's degrees in arts, science, and arts in education at the regional universities. The regional universities are further authorized to provide master's degrees in areas determined by the faculty and the boards of trustees to be appropriate for the granting of such degree.
In 2001 the Legislature authorized Eastern Washington University to offer applied, but not research, doctorate level degrees in physical therapy, subject to review.
The only state college in Washington is The Evergreen State College. The Evergreen State College is authorized by statute to grant any degree through the master's degree.
An Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) is an advanced degree designed to be between a master's degree and doctoral degree. Legislation passed in 2011 allows the board of trustees at Eastern Washington University to offer an Ed.S. The program at Eastern Washington University offers an Ed.S. in school psychology.
Summary of Bill:
The boards of trustees of Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, and Western Washington University are allowed to offer Ed.S. degrees.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.