7 Maricopa County Community College bachelor’s programs gain accreditation

PHOENIX – The Higher Learning Commission has granted Maricopa County Community College District accreditation for seven bachelor’s degree programs in a range of fields, the district announced Monday.

“Our seven bachelor’s degree programs will provide affordability, flexibility and career-focused subject matter to prepare our students to enter a number of high-demand professions,” MCCCD Chancellor Steven R. Gonzales said in a press release.

Last year, Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation allowing community colleges to start offering four-year degrees. Arizona community colleges previously were limited associate degrees and certificates.

MCCCD is a 10-campus system with locations across the Valley that serve about 100,000 students. It is the state’s first community college to receive Higher Learning Commission accreditation for bachelor’s degrees, according to the release.

Here are the newly accredited degrees and the campuses offering them:

• Data analytics and programming, Bachelor of Applied Science, Mesa.
• Information technology, Bachelor of Applied Science, Phoenix.
• Nuclear medicine technology and computed tomography, Bachelor of Applied Science, GateWay.
• Public safety administration, Bachelor of Applied Science, Phoenix and Rio Salado.
• Early childhood education – dual language, Bachelor of Arts, Mesa.
• Elementary education and special education, Bachelor of Arts, Glendale, Paradise Valley and Rio Salado.
• Behavioral sciences, Bachelor of Arts, South Mountain.

“Through hard work, diligence and perseverance, the Maricopa County Community College District continues to serve as a model – offering significant resources to our growing student population,” MCCCD Governing Board President Marie Sullivan said in the release.

“As the first community college in Arizona to provide these degrees, MCCCD continues to lay the foundation for others to replicate around the state and nation.”

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