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Cal State Trustees Approve Three New Bachelor’s Degree Types

The move opens shorter, career-focused paths for working adults by allowing campuses to build flexible programs.

Overview

  • The CSU Board of Trustees, which voted Wednesday in Long Beach, created Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Professional Studies and Bachelor of Applied Studies.
  • The decision amended Title V to permit 90 to 119 unit bachelor’s programs and to count prior learning, military training or work toward degree credit.
  • Adoption is optional for each campus, with proposal work expected to begin in the fall and regional accreditation typically taking six to nine months.
  • CSU officials say the Bachelor of Education, when paired with a teaching credential, meets California requirements and could help address teacher shortages.
  • Faculty critics warned of weaker teacher preparation and possible Pell Grant tradeoffs, while supporters said the change offers faster, job‑linked routes for adults and returning students.