New Degree Opportunity Unveiled at CWU-Yakima

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - A collaborative effort between Central Washington University and Yakima Valley Community College will bring a new opportunity for students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Yakima starting in fall 2006. Central received a legislatively funded grant in the amount of $126,480, which allows space for 25 full-time students to earn a general studies social science degree at the CWU-Yakima Center. The program, which has not been offered in Yakima before, will help meet local industry need, as well as increase opportunities for historically underserved students.

"Students will be able to complete all the baccalaureate degree requirements in their own community," says Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre, CWU president. "It's a very agile way to respond to degree need and degree demand."

According to Dr. Linda Beath, CWU associate vice president for undergraduate studies, the program creates a pathway for students to transfer from their associates degree straight into a baccalaureate program.

Vigorously supported by local business leaders, this degree is responsive to current and projected job openings in the area and provides a wide variety of options to meet employer need and student demand.

"What employers want are students with people skills," explains Dr. Linda Kaminski, YVCC president. "It doesn't matter what the job is, people skills are absolutely critical. This program is a way for students to get those people skills."

Students with a general studies social science degree will have the information and ability they need for careers in fields where demand for skilled employees is high. Graduates could pursue careers as social and human service assistants; community and social service specialists; child, family and school social workers; and social scientists.

Students also receive an opportunity to connect with local businesses and possible future employers through a cooperative education component of the program. Local businesses and organizations enter into contracts with Central that allow students to take part in field experiences to see first hand what it is they need to do to succeed on the job.

Demand for this type of program continues to grow. In Yakima, Kittitas and Klickitat counties, job openings in fields for which program graduates would be qualified are projected to grow nearly 20 percent between 2002-2012.

CWU-Yakima classes are held at the Deccio Higher Education Center on the Yakima Valley Community College Campus. CWU-Yakima currently offers bachelor degrees in education and law and justice.

"Investments we make in higher education are more important now than ever before," says Dave McFadden, president of New Vision. "The collaborative effort of these two educational institutions will provide excellent access to courses by students and employers."

Central received the grant after submitting a proposal to Washington state's Higher Education Coordinating Board.

For more information on Central Washington University Centers, go to www.cwu.edu/centers/ or call our undergraduate studies office at (509) 963-1404. For more information on Central's proposal to the Higher Education Coordinating Board, go to www.hecb.wa.gov/research/issues/enrollments.asp.

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