Idaho Community College Puts Forward Bachelor’s Degree Program Concentrated on “Applied” Skills
Jose Nino
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The College of Western Idaho is working on creating a bachelor of applied science in business administration’s degree that concentrates on real world skills as opposed to theoretical subjects.
However, this program has faced some opposition from other universities in Idaho.
President Gordon Jones said at an Idaho Board of Education meeting that the College of Western Idaho’s bachelor of applied science in business administration is an “applied degree” that “involves Career Technical Education.”
The college’s degree would have a unique appeal to students who tend to be accustomed to residential four-year colleges. President Jones cited adult students — those 24 years and above — such as tradesmen and enrollees who are looking for affordable education options.
He provided the example of a plumber who might want to manage his own company as a prospective student for the BAS degree or a tradesmen who desires making progress in his field while doing work for a “larger employer.”
The Idaho Board of Education gave the green light to the program. It is currently waiting for approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and then the US Department of Education.
“We should hear back from NWCCU in the next couple of months and then CWI will work with the Department of Education,” Director of Government and Community Relations Ashley Smith said to the College Fix in email correspondence in late January.
The degree program was criticized by the leadership of Boise State University and Idaho State University.
“We proudly collaborate, support and partner with community colleges. We aim to be efficient in our program offerings across the state, and our board has policies that help guide us,” Boise State Provost John Buckwalter informed The Fix through a media statement.
“Our institutions use these policies as we look at each potential offering,” the provost stated. “The board has approved new program offerings, and we will continue to partner with our community colleges across the state, always seeking to serve the best interests of students and our communities.”
There needs to be more competition in the education sector. Idaho is doing a great job here in introducing some much needed competitive dynamics to this sector.
It’s the only way Americans can maintain a pipeline of competent leaders.
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