FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2008
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

Florida Community College Jacksonville now authorized to offer bachelor degrees in Business, Computer Networking and Nursing

Florida State Board of Education approves three new degrees

Florida Community College at Jacksonville’s application to provide three new bachelor degrees was approved today by the Florida State Board of Education, increasing access to high-demand educational and career opportunities to students on Florida’s First Coast.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Networking; and Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degrees will join the College’s first, a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Fire Science Management. The College intends to offer the new programs in Fall 2008.

“Our College continues to grow, innovate and expand its mission. Even as Florida faces financial challenges, we are proud and fortunate to be able to provide the education to pursue the careers and jobs that are critical to the workforce of the region,” said Dr. Donald Green, FCCJ executive vice president.

“Approval by the State Board of Education for Florida Community College to offer these three new bachelors degrees is an exceptional event for the College and the community as well.”

The College began exploring the development of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) as a result of the escalating growth in the region and from the expressed need by various stakeholders in the region for nurses skilled in critical care. Along with CEOs and chief nurse executives from area hospitals and healthcare agencies, numerous business and industry leaders, including the Workforce Development Board and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, supported the need for the development of the BSN program with special focus on critical care.

In 2004 and again in 2006 Florida Community College conducted assessments of local employer need for IT workers, as part of the College’s ongoing evolution of IT programs. The studies included assessment of employer demand for employees with a computer networking baccalaureate degree. Surveys of industry leaders, students, faculty and advisory committees concluded there was a critical employment gap between the demand for baccalaureate-prepared IT networking employees and the supply, which was not being met by local graduates. Because of the College’s vast experience and success in providing highly skilled IT workers, the College is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking to help meet this demand. The program is also expected to be a boon for women, minorities and the disabled, as the field of networking offers them greater opportunities than many other high-paying career fields.

Likewise, extensive analysis of regional, state and national workforce data prompted the College to pursue authority to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management. Analysis included educational requirements for supervisory and managerial personnel and evidence that the region’s economy will sustain a strong demand for graduates of such a program. This was supported by business leaders, university presidents and local government leaders.

FCCJ has proven its ability to meet the SACS standards for accreditation as a Level II institution by gaining approval in 2007 to offer a B.A.S. in Fire Science Management. A site visit by SACS was successfully concluded on Feb. 13, the final step in FCCJ’s accreditation as a baccalaureate-granting institution. The evaluators commended the College on its faculty, program design, academic facilities, leadership, commitment to quality and dedication to serving the community.

Each of the new programs will consist of 120 credit hours for fulfillment of the bachelor’s degree of each discipline. As planned, the earned associate in science degree credits will articulate into the B.A.S. programs. Required upper-division professional courses will prepare students with advanced practical knowledge in each field.

For more information on programs at Florida Community College call 904.646.2300.