Staff Reports | Community Updates
Maricopa Community Colleges has received accreditation approval for two additional bachelor’s degree programs, expanding the system’s offerings to 13 bachelor’s degrees once the new programs launch.
The Higher Learning Commission approved a Bachelor of Science in exercise science at Mesa Community College and a Bachelor of Applied Science in law and legal studies at Rio Salado College, according to a press release.
“These two new affordable bachelor’s degrees represent exactly the workforce-driven education Arizona needs,” Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Steven Bloomberg, Ed.D., said. “Our job as the state’s largest provider of workforce training is to meet students where they are, while preparing them for the roles tomorrow needs; and our bachelor’s offerings do just that.”
The exercise science program at Mesa Community College will offer emphasis areas in fitness and human performance and pre-physical therapy, along with certificate and associate degree pathways. The program also is designed to provide a foundation for students pursuing additional education in sports medicine, kinesiology or physical therapy.
The bachelor’s degree builds on Mesa Community College’s existing exercise science program and partnership with A.T. Still University.
“Expected to launch in Fall 2027, the BS in Exercise Science will equip students with the technical knowledge needed for careers in personal training, fitness instruction, and rehabilitation,” Mesa Community College President Richard Daniel, Ph.D., said. “Qualified students pursuing the Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis will have access to a streamlined pathway into ATSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, creating a clear route for students to build on their undergraduate education and continue toward an advanced degree and career in physical therapy.”
The program includes a 3.5+2.5 pathway with A.T. Still University for qualified students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in exercise science. The pathway allows students to begin Doctor of Physical Therapy coursework before completing their bachelor’s degree. Students completing the pathway can earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Mesa Community College and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University.
Maricopa Community Colleges said demand for physical therapists in Arizona is projected to grow 52% by the beginning of the next decade.
Rio Salado College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in law and legal studies will prepare students for legal careers through an online program. Students can select a legal paraprofessional specialization designed to prepare them for Arizona licensure in areas including family, civil, criminal, administrative or probate law.
Arizona authorized legal paraprofessionals in 2021 to provide certain legal services within a defined scope of practice. Licensed Arizona legal paraprofessionals with a four-year degree can:
- •Draft, sign and file legal documents.
- •Provide advice, opinions or recommendations on legal rights, defenses and strategies.
- •Appear in court on behalf of clients.
- •Negotiate for clients within their area of practice.
“Approval of Rio Salado College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies opens the door to new opportunities for students across Arizona,” Rio Salado College President Kate Smith, Ph.D., said. “Through this thoughtfully designed program, students will be prepared to build the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue careers as legal paraprofessionals, helping expand access to much-needed legal services in our communities.”
Beyond the legal paraprofessional pathway, the degree is intended to prepare students for positions in legal, government, business and public-service fields. Potential careers include court and judicial support, compliance, contract administration, regulatory affairs, human resources, public administration, policy analysis, victim advocacy, health care compliance, insurance, risk management, corporate governance and legal operations.
The program will include work in legal research, analysis, communication, ethics, policy and application of the law.
