CSU approves new bachelor's degree types, marking first expansion in decades

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The California State University system is expanding its academic offerings for the first time in more than 30 years, approving three new types of bachelor's degrees aimed at meeting the evolving needs of students and the workforce.

The CSU Board of Trustees recently voted to add Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) and Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) to the system's degree options, alongside the traditional Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.

"This just gives sort of another element in the toolbox for our universities to craft a very specific degree," said Nathan Evans, associate vice chancellor of academic affairs at the CSU Office of the Chancellor.

According to CSU officials, the new degree types are part of the system's "CSU Forward" strategic plan, which focuses on expanding access to higher education and better serving a diverse population of students. Evans said the changes are especially intended to support Californians who started college but did not complete a degree.

"We recognize that there are literally millions of Californians, about 6 million, who started college at some point but didn't earn a degree or credential, and maybe are looking as if they're in a career or wanting to return to education for an alternative that's really designed for them," Evans said.

The new policy allows, but does not require, any of the 22 CSU campuses to create programs using the new degree types.

Each campus will determine whether to develop offerings based on local workforce needs and student demand.

As part of the same approval, trustees also lowered the minimum number of units required for a bachelor's degree from 120 to 90. The change drew criticism from some board members who expressed concern about maintaining academic rigor.

"I just have a problem with this, where why wouldn't I go and get a bachelor's in professional studies with 90 units instead of wasting another 30 units?" Trustee Jack McGrory said during the meeting. "It just seems to me that we're diluting the quality and importance of a B.A. degree by lowering the unit count."

Evans said the new minimum provides flexibility rather than a mandate, noting that programs can still require anywhere from 90 to 120 units depending on their design.

"I would venture to guess that the vast majority of degrees will still continue to be Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science for decades to come," Evans said. "But the reality is this allows campuses to design a degree very much focused on adult learners and others that are sort of very focused on their interests."

CSU officials said campuses are expected to begin developing potential programs this fall. The new degree options are not expected to be available to students until at least the 2027-28 academic year.

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