Students will be able to complete a Bachelors of Applied Science (BAS), Information Technology, Network Administration and Security at Green River Community College when the school begins its first four-year degree program in September 2013.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges approved Green River’s proposal to start a bachelors of applied science degree on May 9.

“This region is recognized as a hub for the information technology industry, and Green River’s program is well suited to prepare our students for careers in this field,” said Green River President Dr. Eileen Ely. “Having a bachelor’s degree program is a significant achievement for the college and an excellent opportunity to provide our students with a one-stop option to reach their educational goals”.

The bachelor’s degree program will prepare students for employment within a variety of information technology jobs including network and computer system administration, information security analyst and computer support specialist. The program will be the only one of its kind offered in the south King county area served by Green River.

With the BAS degree in place, the program can accept students who already hold a technical associate’s degree in an IT-related field from a regionally accredited institution. It also provides students that have families and jobs the opportunity to pursue a four-year degree, a major factor cited by Green River students surveyed as part of the BAS development process.

Current demand for qualified personnel within the technology industry greatly exceeds the supply of qualified workers. Green River’s BAS will help train students to meet those needs and fill gaps in industry employment.

The new degree helps the college meet its institutional goals in career and technical education set forward in its strategic plan completed in February. It also reflects how the college is changing its curriculum to meet the demands of its local community and the region. Green River faculty and staff who developed the BAS worked collaboratively with other area community and technical colleges, including Renton Technical College and Tacoma Community College, to develop the curriculum.