Lower Columbia College (LCC) is pleased to announce that it will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAS-TE) beginning in fall 2019.

This is the first degree for LCC at the applied bachelor’s degree level.

This degree prepares candidates for teaching positions in preschool through eighth grade. Students in the program can choose between certificated and non-certificated pathways. Certificated students will be prepared to teach in Washington public schools, while non-certificated candidates will be prepared to teach in early childhood education in a variety of non-public school settings, including Head Start. The degree combines the knowledge earned from previous degrees, such as an Associate of Applied Science, with upper division (300 and 400 level) Teacher Education courses.

When it passed HB 1794 in 2005, the Washington State Legislature granted authority to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to select applied baccalaureate programs at designated community and technical colleges. As part of the 2010 System Design Plan legislation, the status of applied baccalaureate degrees offered by Washington state's community and technical colleges was changed from pilot to regular status. In 2012, the Washington State legislature passed another bill authorizing all community and technical colleges to offer applied bachelor degree programs.

LCC’s new program will help meet the demand for elementary and pre-kindergarten teachers in the region. The program will also benefit prospective students in several ways.

  • Studying close to home saves on expenses related to travel, room and board.
  • Staying with LCC through the entire degree and credentialing process reduces stress related to applying to other institutions, and transferring credits and other information.
  • Selecting the BAS-TE program provides maximum flexibility for future educators, who can choose between elementary education and early childhood education.
  • Going to school in the community where you live and work increases exposure to prospective employers and job opportunities.

Prospective students can learn more about the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education by visiting lowercolumbia.edu/bas-teacher-education.

LCC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), one of seven regional accreditation bodies in the United States. LCC’s service district includes Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties.

For more information, please contact:

Karen Joiner, Interim Vice President of Instruction
(360) 442-2861
kjoiner@lowercolumbia.edu

Tamra Bell, Dean of Instruction
(360) 442-2621
tbell@lowercolumbia.edu

Ann Williamson, Education Instructor
(360) 442-2892
awilliamson@lowercolumbia.edu

Stephen Tokarski, BAS-TE Program Manager
(360) 442-2624
stokarski@lowercolumbia.edu