HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 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.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Authorizes Bellevue College to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, subject to approval by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Allows Bellevue College to charge tuition fees for courses beyond the associate degree level, but not to exceed the tuition fee rates at the state's regional universities.

Background:

In 2005 the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (State Board) 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 State Board 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 State Board. 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 1,037 students enrolled in applied baccalaureate degree programs in the community and technical college system.

Summary of Bill:

Bellevue College is authorized to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, and is allowed to develop the curriculum for and design and deliver courses leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. The degree program is subject to approval by the State Board before Bellevue College may enroll students in upper-division courses. Bellevue College is authorized to award baccalaureate degrees and is allowed to charge tuition fees for the Bachelor of Science degree program above the associate degree level at rates consistent with rules approved by the State Board, but not to exceed the tuition fee rate at the state's regional universities.