A state board will consider a proposal for a new degree at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges held a study session on May 8 to discuss statements of need from four colleges, including CBC.

The college has submitted a statement of need for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

The board has authorized this degree at nine colleges since 2021.

CBC first introduced its Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science in the early 2000s. The proposed Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program will not only prepare students for careers in computer science, but also address the region’s workforce needs, according to information in the board’s agenda packet.

Colleges offering a degree for a program not previously approved by the board must present a statement of need. Proposals that meet the board’s criteria for approval will be recommended for board action.

Also on the state board’s agenda was an update on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and a community roundtable discussion on continuing education.

As a result of the board’s meeting, CBC can now move forward with the final step in attaining approval for the new degree, said Valerie Sundby, SBCTC’s director of transfer education.

The college has 12 months to determine curriculum and program outcomes, select core faculty to teach in the program, develop a student services plan, finalize the budget and align the program with the school’s accreditation and assessment processes.

CBC also must submit a proposal to be reviewed by both external evaluators and evaluators from other colleges within the system.

Go to: sbctc.edu/about/board/meetings.