Do you think community colleges should provide four-year degrees?

1. 80

   glassvisageposted 11 years ago

   Do you think community colleges should provide four-year degrees?
   
   In California, SB 850 was introduced to allow community colleges to provide bachelor's degree programs. I'm curious to see if people think this is beneficial for students who can't get into or pay for universities, or if it is worth it, meaning will a bachelor's degree from a CC still look good enough on a resume to get the student hired? I suppose it depends on what job the student is looking for, but it's hard enough for people with degrees from traditional universities to find jobs. I think if they pass SB 850, CCs need to be very selective as to which bachelor's programs they offer.

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2. 0

   Earl Noah Bernsbyposted 11 years ago

   Interesting!  It would certainly be more cost-effective.  To my understanding, CA has long been one of the more progressive states regarding education (e.g., Didn't tuition for California residents used to be free at state schools?).  I think it's an excellent idea.
   
   Anything that would help to bring down the sky-rocketing cost of education in this country is ok by me (provided that quality doesn't suffer).  I wonder if the growing momentum from MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) has anything to do with this legislation?  (Incidentally, my fav mooc organization is edX: http://www.edx.org)

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3. 83

   Edward J. Palumboposted 11 years ago

   I attended Orange Coast College for my Associate of Arts, and Biola University for my Bachelor of Science. In terms of affordability, OCC was a wonderful opportunity. Comparatively speaking, junior college was a relatively relaxed environment. If community colleges can maintain the same academic standard as a university (?), it would be wonderful for students who are striving for a baccalaureate in this challenged economy. However, there's a reason graduation from a recognized university carries a bit more credibility or prestige, and a part of the that is the talent, published work or expertise of the professors. I agree with you; should SB 850 pass, those programs need to be carefully reviewed before approval.

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4. 82

   oceansnsunsetsposted 11 years ago

   Generally speaking, I think it would be wonderful to earn a four year degree from a local community college for students that can't afford a university, etc.  I imagine it would look maybe not as nice as a 4 year degree from a university, but many more could finish up degrees that otherwise could not.  I happen to know a few that would totally take advantage of that option.
   
   That said, I haven't fully thought through the details, many of which you mention in your question.  Good question!  Too many people get saddled with serious, long term debt just to finish school.  It doesn't seem right somehow.

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