Alternative Pathways to the Baccalaureate: Do Community Colleges Offer a Viable Solution to the Nation's Knowledge Deficit?

“This book does an excellent job of tracing the history of the movement and where it stands today. It discusses the political context when these discussions happen in states and the education implications when institutions take on this additional mission. This book may or may not convert those who are concerned about ‘mission creep’ of community colleges, but it sure will give them something to think about. Clearly we cannot continue to do business as we have always done and expect to meet the growing demand for college educated citizens. This book provides some thoughts on how to create a new model going forward and it deserves serious consideration.”
—from the Foreword by Carol D’Amico

The community college, or applied, baccalaureate continues to be controversial although now approved by legislatures in eighteen states. Does it contribute to economic development and social mobility? Does it fill a major gap in our educational system and, if it does, what are the paths to wider adoption?

Opening with a brief historical account of the community college baccalaureate movement, this book then situates the baccalaureate in the context of demographic trends and workforce needs; addresses concerns about “mission creep” and the impact on four-year colleges; offers insights into the political arguments arrayed for and against wider adoption; and looks at the implications for accreditation.

The contributors review the capacities of four-year colleges to deliver training for technical occupations; the ability of community colleges to deliver rigorous, high-quality courses; and consider issues of access, affordability, faculty development, and responsiveness to changing needs. A chapter devoted to student voices provides the critical perspective of this constituency.

The book concludes by describing examples of implementation across the U.S., reviewing different models of articulation, as well as promising practices that include eliminating the need for transfer altogether.

This book provides vital information and new research for policy makers, community college leaders, and scholars of higher education.

Published in association with the Community College Baccalaureate Association