LOS ANGELES – California’s higher education landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation with the approval of three new bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges, breaking new ground in the long-standing rivalry between the state’s largest educational systems.
A Bold New Direction
In a significant move, officials from the community college system have asserted their authority over the California State University (CSU) system, allowing them to offer degrees that were previously stalled due to institutional conflicts regarding program duplication.
The newly approved programs include a bachelor’s degree in cyberdefense at Moorpark College, a physical therapy assistant degree at San Diego Mesa College, and a transborder environmental design degree at Southwestern College.
This approval came after careful consideration by the chancellor’s office, which assessed a report from WestEd, a nonprofit organization indicating that the overlap in programs would be minimal. The report highlighted that the San Diego Mesa program and the similar kinesiology degree offered at CSU San Bernardino are situated 95 miles apart, serving distinctly different career paths.
Looking Ahead
James Todd, the vice chancellor for academic affairs, emphasized that raising objections does not equate to identifying duplication of programs. Notably, CSU has recently retracted its objections to three additional programs at Oxnard, Cerritos, and Santiago Canyon colleges.
However, it remains to be seen how the CSU system will officially react to this decision that bypasses their previous objections. Additionally, the future of ten other proposed degrees that are still pending approval is uncertain.
The next stage in this unfolding situation is at the State Capitol, where lawmakers may consider Senate Bill 960. This bill would legally restrict universities from filing objections unless they are located geographically close to the community college offering the program. Meanwhile, proponents of expanding these degree options are considering a ballot measure for 2028, buoyed by polling data suggesting that 80% of likely voters support the initiative.
The Source: This report draws on findings from EdSource and statements from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office and the California State University system.
