Morgan Community College (MCC) announces approval of its second bachelor’s degree program. The College received final approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) on October 11, 2024, to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Business Administration and Management. This new program will serve as a pivotal educational opportunity for students in northeast Colorado, creating a seamless pathway for those looking to further their education. The BAS in Business Administration and Management program will launch August 2025 for the Fall Semester.
MCC’s new bachelor’s program is designed to equip students with practical, hands-on skills and a deep understanding of the business environment. The BAS in Business Administration and Management program is focused on applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, making it particularly valuable for those looking to enter the workforce quickly and effectively or expand their skills in an existing job.
“The beauty of this program is that it allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree while remaining local,” stated MCC Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Deborah Coates. “Rural students are often “place bound” and unable to leave the region to earn a bachelor’s degree. This option provides them with a local and “home” institution to continue their higher education.”
Traditionally, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees have had limited transferability to four-year institutions in the state, often leaving students without a clear, affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. The new BAS program at MCC addresses this gap, providing students with the opportunity to advance their education and earning potential in a supportive and familiar setting.
“This key new bachelor’s degree means students will have a streamlined and local pathway to further their education,” said Dr. Curt Freed, MCC President. “In many cases, transfer to a traditional four-year business program means students have a greater number of classes to take. The beauty and intent of this program is to serve as a direct extension of the applied degrees students have already completed at the community college.”
MCC, along with other colleges in the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), used surveys to reach business, industry, and program advisory representatives to design a program that meets business and student needs. Through their assistance, the program was developed to provide students with important skills that align with industry needs.
The degree will offer MCC’s associate degree students in Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Real Estate the ability to continue their education with a seamless transition into a bachelor’s program. The upper-level classes will be delivered through a consortium model with other CCCS sister institutions. This model allows students to experience a wide variety of learning opportunities from talented faculty, including MCC’s experienced faculty.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing an AAS degree in Business and for working professionals looking to advance their careers with a BAS in Business Administration and Management,” stated MCC Business Faculty, Leah Thomas. “The BAS program aims to retain valuable employees in the workforce and address the needs of local businesses by enhancing workers’ knowledge and skills without requiring them to leave their jobs or homes. The BAS in Business Administration and Management benefits students, industries, and the community alike!”
Individuals interested in the BAS in Business Administration and Management program are encouraged to contact MCC Business Faculty Leah Thomas at [email protected] or (970) 542-3260 for more information.
MCC is committed to delivering high-quality, relevant education that fosters student success and meets the needs of the local workforce. MCC’s first bachelor’s degree is the popular Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that was approved in 2019. Additional bachelor’s degrees are currently under development.
About Morgan Community College: Morgan Community College, founded in 1970, is a community college serving the northeastern Colorado region and beyond. It is known for its exceptional faculty and staff, a focus on student success, personal attention, small class sizes, and accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission. MCC offers over 80 degrees and certificates.
About Higher Learning Commission: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent agency, founded in 1895. The HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. HLC is an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole.
