In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2118 into law that authorizes Texas community colleges to offer certain baccalaureate degrees. Collin College plans to offer a bachelor of science in nursing degree, a bachelor of applied technology degree and a bachelor of applied science degree.

However, despite the Legislature’s decision, the college still has a long way to go before these degree paths will be available to students.

College President Neil Matkin said the degree programs, especially the nursing degree, are a high priority for the college and would help solve the nursing demand in Collin County.   

“In this exciting time, the opportunity to serve a rapidly expanding Collin County population and touch the lives of thousands of individuals has never been better,” Matkin said.

However, the college needs to seek accreditation from several entities before offering bachelor’s degrees.

In June, the college revised its mission statement to address the addition of baccalaureate degrees. Revising the mission statement was the first step the college needed to take before applying for accreditation, Matkin said.

By Sept. 1, the college needs to submit an application to seek accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the bachelor’s degree. The college, in order to offer the BSN, needs to also seek approval with the Texas Board of Nursing and another accreditation from the national accreditation commission of nursing.

Matkin said the agencies are expected to schedule visits to the college in 2018. Matkin said he expects Collin College to offer all three degree programs by 2019.