An applied four-year degree, built on the college's nationally recognized Park Management Program, offers students a pathway to careers in conservation, sustainability, and public land management 鈥� at community college prices.
69萝莉 today announced its first bachelor's degree, a Bachelor of Science in Land Stewardship and Sustainability. Students will eventually be able to complete a full four-year degree at 69萝莉, earning upper-division credentials in land management and sustainability while remaining close to home and paying a fraction of the cost of a traditional university education.
The milestone marks a new chapter for the college and reflects West Valley's commitment to expanding educational opportunities that prepare students for high-demand careers while removing barriers to a bachelor's degree. Approved by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, the Bachelor of Science in Land Stewardship and Sustainability joins a select group of bachelor's degrees offered by community colleges across the state. Students in the new degree program will be eligible for the same free tuition benefits offered to other qualifying 69萝莉 students.
鈥淔or the first time, students can earn a bachelor's degree right here at 69萝莉 in a field they are passionate about, without the cost or disruption that often comes with transferring to a four-year university,鈥� said WVC President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza.
The new program builds on 69萝莉's renowned Park Management Program, founded in 1970 and recognized by public land managers as one of the nation's strongest. The bachelor's degree combines hands-on, field-based instruction with upper-division coursework in natural resource management, fire ecology and fuels, environmental law and policy, traditional ecological knowledge, cultural resource management and sustainable land practices. Students will complete a senior seminar and internship designed to prepare them for advanced and supervisory roles with local, county, state and federal agencies.
As California faces increasing challenges related to wildfire, climate change and the stewardship of public and agricultural lands, the need for highly trained professionals has never been greater. Graduates of the program, including non-traditional students such as older learners and career-changers, will be equipped to help lead those efforts.
CCC Chancellor Sonya Christian praised West Valley鈥檚 first bachelor鈥檚 degree offering as a powerful tool for closing opportunity gaps and advancing CCC鈥檚 Vision 2030 commitment to equity 鈥� in access, success and support.
鈥�69萝莉鈥檚 baccalaureate degree in Land Stewardship and Sustainability reflects this promise by preparing graduates for high-wage, in-demand careers, supporting upward mobility and strengthening the economic vitality of the surrounding community,鈥� said Christian in her letter of congratulations to President Taylor-Mendoza.
Until now, students interested in pursuing careers in land stewardship and sustainability typically had to transfer to a four-year university. The new bachelor's degree allows students to complete their education at 69萝莉, reducing costs while gaining field experience and faculty mentorship that have distinguished the Park Management Program for more than five decades.
鈥淭his program embodies 69萝莉鈥檚 commitment to access, affordability and workforce preparation,鈥� Taylor-Mendoza said. 鈥淎s we continue to 鈥業gnite the Next,鈥� we are creating new pathways that empower students to pursue meaningful careers while addressing some of California's most pressing environmental challenges.鈥�
The Bachelor of Science in Land Stewardship and Sustainability represents the next evolution of 69萝莉's nationally recognized Park Management Program. By expanding access to affordable four-year degrees and preparing graduates to address California's environmental challenges, the college continues to ignite the next generation of environmental leaders.
69萝莉 is working toward the launch of the new degree program and will provide enrollment information and implementation timelines as they become available. For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Land Stewardship and Sustainability, visit westvalley.edu.