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Oregon community colleges can seek approval for certain types of bachelor degrees in Oregon. Oregon legislation allows community colleges to seek Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) approval for these programs. On this page, you can find background on these degree programs and details on the HECC’s program approval process.
Pursuant to legislation passed in in 2019 and 2023, HECC manages the program review process for certain types of bachelor degrees proposed by Oregon community colleges:
- Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, and
- Bachelor of Science: Nursing degrees.
These are bachelor-level, workforce-oriented programs designed to prepare Oregonians for high-value careers with Oregon employers and industries. These programs provide advanced technical knowledge, strengthen analytical skills, enhance communication skills, and broaden students’ awareness of interdisciplinary topics. They contain technical or applied courses and further an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science Degree pathway. These pathways include lower-division courses and upper-division baccalaureate-level courses.
These programs are just beginning to be offered at some institutions. Prospective students interested in these programs should check their local
community college’s website to see if they are available.
Community College Resources: Program Approval Process
Find details on the program approval process requirements below for Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science: Nursing degrees. For questions or program approval resources, contact us at
hecc.ab@hecc.oregon.gov.
The process begins when the college submits a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the HECC Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (HECC: CCWD), providing a high‑level overview of the proposed program. This initiates a 60‑day Engagement and Consultation period. Declarations may be submitted only between October 1st and April 30th. Consortia submit a single DOI with all schools entered on the form.
The Statement of Need provides supporting evidence demonstrating need and demand within the college district and must include documentation of partner collaboration. The Statement of Need must be submitted a minimum of 60 days after submission of the Declaration of Intent and by the first Friday two months before the next Commission meeting. Each consortium member must submit their individual packet.
The Notice of Application demonstrates baccalaureate-level rigor, comprehensive student support, a clear focus on targeted professional and technical fields informed by industry input, availability of qualified faculty and teaching resources, commitment to open access, and an appropriate student services plan. The Notice of Application must be submitted by the first Friday two months before the next Commission meeting. Each consortium member must submit their individual packet.
In the final phase, the complete program application is submitted through the Program and Course Approval System for comprehensive review, evaluation, and a final decision by the Commission. The Program Application must be submitted by the first Friday two months before the Commission meeting. Each consortium member must submit their individual program application.
Status of Proposals In Process
Find details on the status of current program proposals for Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science: Nursing degrees.
- In Process
- Next Steps
Phase Two of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education will be presented for Notification at the next tentative Commission Meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025.
- In Process
- Next Steps
Phase Two of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education will be presented for Notification at the next tentative Commission Meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025.
- In Process
- Next Steps
Phase Two of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business
Management – Salon Emphasis will be presented for Notification at
the tentative Commission Meeting scheduled for February 12, 2026.
- In Process
- Next Steps
Phase Two of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education will be presented for Notification at the next tentative Commission Meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025.
- In Process
- Next Steps
Phase Two of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education will be presented for Notification at the next tentative Commission Meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025.
- In Process
- Next Steps
Phase Two of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education will be presented for Notification at the next tentative Commission Meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025.
Approved Programs
Find details below on Commission-approved Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science: Nursing degrees.
Approved
- Bachelor of Science: Nursing (BSN)
Approved
- Bachelor of Science: Nursing (BSN)