Santa Ana College and Cypress College were named to a list of 15 community colleges statewide that can offer four-year college degrees, according to the California Community Colleges chancellor’s office.
The schools can offer a degree in one discipline each under a new state law. The four-year degree can’t be available nearby at California State University or at University of California System schools.
Santa Ana plans a program in occupational studies, which includes occupational therapy; Cypress plans a bachelor’s in mortuary science.
The two bachelor’s degrees would expand two-year programs in those areas, already in place at both schools.
The chancellor’s office said a bachelor’s degree may be obtainable for about $10,000 under the new programs and noted the California economy’s need for 1 million more four-year graduates by 2025.
Technological advances and other changes have made the two-year associate degree insufficient preparation for the work, the office said.
