SALEM, Ore. — Lane Community College (LCC) is advancing towards offering its inaugural Bachelor's degree, having received state approval Thursday morning from the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to provide a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Applied Business Management. The groundbreaking program is designed to provide accessible, comprehensive, and inclusive educational experiences that promote equitable student success in the business management field.
LCC President Stephanie Bulger expressed gratitude to the HECC for their endorsement and trust in the college's mission, noting that the new degree will benefit both current students and the broader community. The 2019 Oregon Legislature's authorization for community colleges to offer BAS degrees is a response to labor market demands and an effort to broaden educational opportunities for Oregon residents. LCC will now seek final approval from its primary accrediting body, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The BAS in Applied Business Management program is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of LCC students, many of whom grapple with basic needs insecurities such as food, housing, or homelessness. By offering a locally-completed degree, LCC provides a vital opportunity for placebound students who might not otherwise have access to university education. Additionally, the innovative program adopts a "2+2" structure, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds with associate degrees in any discipline.
In developing the program, LCC collaborated with business, industry, and education partners to ensure its curriculum aligns with local workforce needs and successful programs nationwide. Graduates will be prepared for various managerial roles across industries, armed with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive job market. Additionally, the program will serve as a valuable talent pool for local employers seeking skilled business management professionals.
Pending final approval, the BAS in Applied Business Management is set to commence in the 2024-25 academic year. Further details about the program and application process will be available this summer.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.