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Higher Education Coordination Commission

Applied Baccalaureate Program Approval Process

Oregon community colleges can now seek approval for certain types of bachelor degrees in Oregon. This includes a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in an applied baccalaureate (AB) program and a Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree. Oregon legislation passed in 2019 and 2023 allows community colleges to seek Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) approval for these programs. On this page, you can find background on these degree programs and details on the HECC’s program approval process.

Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science: Nursing degrees are bachelor-level, workforce-oriented programs that prepare Oregonians for high-value careers with Oregon employers and industries.

These programs provide advanced technical knowledge, strengthen analytical skills, enhance communication skills, and broaden students’ awareness of interdisciplinary topics. They contain technical or applied courses and further an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science Degree pathway. These pathways include lower-division courses and upper-division baccalaureate-level courses.

These programs are just beginning to be offered at some institutions. Prospective students interested in these programs should check their local community college’s website to see if they are available.

Stay Engaged on Program Approval

New programs are proposed to the Commission for review and approval. This is done at regular public meetings of the Commission.

See the HECC upcoming public meeting materials and past meeting materials for information on commission agendas and minutes. Recent program approvals are also announced in HECC newsletters on a regular basis.

Community College Resources: Program Approval Process

For questions or program approval resources contact us at hecc.ab@hecc.oregon.gov.

 

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