SB14-004: Community College Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees

• Authorizes Colorado community colleges to offer four-year bachelor of applied science degree programs in technical, career, and workforce development fields, subject to approval by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

• Requires community colleges to demonstrate workforce demand, regional/professional accreditation requirements, cost-effectiveness, and that the program is distinguishable from existing four-year institution offerings before approval.

• Permits AIMS Community College to offer bachelor of applied science degrees meeting the same approval criteria as other community colleges.

• Ensures that students transferring with an associate of applied science degree to four-year institutions can apply all coursework only toward bachelor of applied science degree programs, except for courses covered by other transfer agreements.

• Effective date: August 6, 2014 (90 days after legislative adjournment), subject to possible referendum petition requiring voter approval in November 2014.