The Maricopa County Community College District is looking to expand its selection of bachelor’s degree programs this fall and next year.

Under consideration for Paradise Valley Community College beginning fall 2025 is a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, according to a release from the district, which is headquartered in Tempe.

"We are hoping to expand our current selection of bachelor's degree programs to better serve incoming and returning students," MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales said.

"Data shows that 73% of those inquiring about our new bachelor’s degree programs are current or former Maricopa students. We are committed to creating affordable pathways for students who want to continue within our system and earn a bachelor's degree, and our proposed program offerings for fall 2024 and 2025 will do just that."

Pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission and MCCCD governing board, Maricopa Community Colleges plans are:

Fall 2024: Bachelor of Science in nursing at GateWay Community College.

Fall 2025: Bachelor of Business Administration, accounting: Paradise Valley Community College. 

Bachelor of Business Administration, management: Scottsdale Community College.

Bachelor of Science, artificial intelligence and machine learning: Chandler-Gilbert Community College. 

The programs will support students MCCCD serves “who would not typically transfer to a university after earning a two-year degree. Now, students in these programs will have the convenience and affordability to continue after their associate's degree with one of MCCCD's colleges,” the district release stated.

The baccalaureate degrees will be similar to other MCCCD degrees and certificates and designed to help students reach their goals for less than a third of a university tuition, district officials said.

For more: www.maricopa.edu/bachelors.