HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1030
As Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to applied doctorate degree-granting authority.
Brief Description: Concerning applied doctorate degree-granting authority.
Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt, Jacobsen, Pollet, Reeves and Bronoske.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Postsecondary Education & Workforce: 1/11/23, 1/17/23 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 1/26/23, 93-0.
Passed Senate: 4/6/23, 47-1.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the board of trustees of the regional universities to offer applied, but not research, doctorate degrees.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 14 members:Representatives Slatter, Chair; Entenman, Vice Chair; Reed, Vice Chair; Ybarra, Ranking Minority Member; Waters, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Hansen, Jacobsen, Klicker, Leavitt, McEntire, Pollet, Schmidt and Timmons.
Staff: Saranda Ross (786-7068).
Background:

Eastern Washington University offers applied, but not research, doctorate degrees in physical therapy.  Western Washington University offers applied, but not research, doctorate degrees in audiology.  The boards of trustees of the regional universities (boards) offer applied, but not research, doctorate degrees in education.  The boards do not have broad authority to offer applied doctorate degrees. 

 

Generally, an applied doctorate degree is designed for advanced professional practice focusing on the application of existing research and knowledge applied in the field, rather than on the creation of new research for the field.  A typical applied doctorate program includes classroom study, field placements, and administrative practice.
Summary of Bill:

The board of trustees of the regional universities may offer applied, but not research, doctorate level degrees.  The three statutes authorizing Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and the boards of trustees of the regional universities to offer very specific applied, but not research, doctorate degrees, are repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is important for place-bound students who need to advance in their fields.  Not offering applied doctorates means students and workers are forced to leave their families and travel to obtain desired credentials.  This also creates significant financial hardships.  Without this bill, demand for workers will not be met.  Students want and deserve to remain with their families while earning degrees.  The broadness of this bill is best for everyone, as there will no longer be a need to keep coming back to the legislature to piecemeal specific degrees. 
 
(Opposed) None. 
Persons Testifying: Representative Mari Leavitt, prime sponsor; Nora Selander, Western Washington University; and David Buri, Eastern Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.