In a historic new direction, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) has expanded its academic offerings to include six new baccalaureate degree programs, two of which have online options, making higher education more affordable and accessible.
Spanning five illustrious campuses, these bachelor’s programs are in high-demand fields such as Biomanufacturing, Dental Hygiene, and Respiratory Therapy.
Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) is launching its first Bachelor’s Degree Program (BDP) in Respiratory Therapy, designed to prepare students for healthcare careers through coursework on managing complex respiratory cases, leadership, research, medical terminology, and more.
Similarly, Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) is introducing its first BDP in Biomanufacturing, which prepares students for success in the biotechnology industry. This field explores biotherapeutics, a rapidly developing method for manufacturing medicines that use proteins and antibodies to treat diseases. The program also includes classes on diagnostics, supplies and services, and industrial products.
West Los Angeles College (WLAC) offers two BDPs. One offering is in Aviation Maintenance Technology, a specialized field focused on maintenance, repair, inspection, and problem-solving of aircraft. The program aims to prepare students to meet “the critical demand for highly skilled technicians capable of troubleshooting complex aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite systems.”
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WLAC also offers a robust Dental Hygiene program with various areas of focus, including teaching, public health, private industry, and more.
East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is preparing to offer its first BDP in Respiratory Therapy after receiving approval from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) will soon introduce its first BDP in Biomanufacturing, supported by a $2 million Community Project Funding grant.
These programs reflect a growing trend in California to address growing workforce demands, ballooning tuition rates, and the student loan debt crisis. These community college bachelor’s degrees will cost around $10,560 for the entire four-year program, while state universities often charge more than that for just one year of tuition.
According to nonprofit newsroom CalMatters, as reported by Mikhail Zinshteyn and Haydee Barahona, California State University’s board of trustees voted to increase tuition by 6% annually for the next five years. With the introduction of baccalaureate degrees by LACCD and other California community colleges, affordable options will remain available to meet student needs.
Community college bachelor’s degrees also advance the state’s goal of having 70% of working-age Californians obtain a college degree or certificate by 2030, as outlined in “The California Blueprint.” Governor Newsom states, “All families, students, and workers deserve the freedom to succeed: to build real-life skills and pursue careers.”
LACCD’s commitment to offering Bachelor’s Degree Programs aligns with a broader effort to reform education in California. “The California Blueprint” focuses on improving access and affordability at all educational levels. The plan includes $1 billion for universal Pre-K by 2025 and expanded after-school programs to support early childhood education.
It also addresses the student housing crisis by allocating $750 million for affordable student housing and expands middle-class scholarships with $515 million to make higher education more affordable. Additionally, K-12 schools receive increased funding, particularly for low-income areas, with a focus on hiring teachers and enhancing mental health services. Investments are also made to modernize school infrastructure and facilities.
The LACCD’s initiative sets a precedent that could inspire similar programs nationwide, particularly in regions facing educational and economic challenges. As the largest community college district in California and one of the largest in the nation, LACCD’s commitment to innovation in higher education has the potential to transform the lives of countless students.
Representatives from all nine campuses of the LACCD will be participating in the 19th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Crenshaw Blvd., from Obama Blvd., to Stocker Ave. Attendees are encouraged to visit LACCD booths and learn more about the academic programs and resources offered by the colleges.
For more details about Taste of Soul, visit www.tasteofsoulla.com. To learn more about LACCD, visit www.laccd.edu.
