Grays Harbor College is planning to launch its second four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree next year.
The forest resource management degree will be offered in partnership with Green River College.
Qualifying students interested in the forestry degree can apply for admissions in January and students will start course work in the fall of 2017.
Grays Harbor College instructor Todd Bate will work with Monica Paulson Priebe of Green River College to teach the courses using a shared classroom via ITV.
“For decades, the Harbor economy revolved around the timber, logging and wood products industries. Forestry has always been a key part of what sustained our community,” explains GHC President James Minkler.
New developments in technology using wood products in construction bring careers in forestry management, Minkler explained in a press release. Manufacturing and carpentry technology also are being incorporated into GHC programs.
“Our new four-year Bachelor in Applied Science-Forestry Resources Management degree will further strengthen the job skills for our students interested in this important community industry,” Minkler said. “In much the same way, graduates of our BASOM (Bachelor of Applied Science degree in organizational management) will find advancement and new opportunities in their fields.”
The partnering colleges have received a more than $998,000 scholarship grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will provide at least 92 scholarships until 2020. Those scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled full time who meet academic requirements and demonstrate financial need.
In addition to providing scholarships, the NSF grant also focuses on ways to increase retention and graduation rates, including an orientation for natural resources students, a mentor program pairing students with working professionals, guest lectures and a three-day course on safely operating, maintaining and repairing small engine-powered forestry equipment.
A cohort of 30 students reports for classes the week of Sept. 19 to begin the College’s first four-year degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science – Organizational Management (BASOM).
Jeb Thornton, Grays Harbor College’s assistant dean of baccalaureate programs, noted the college has been accredited to offer four-year degrees directly correlating with vocational programs already offered.
“A bachelor degree in organizational management takes those graduating from our human services, business, criminal justice and other workforce programs on to continue their education and get ready to advance in their fields,” Thornton said. “Likewise, our new Bachelor in Applied Science degree in forest resource management is a direct response to demands from the forest products industry for better prepared employees.”
The college also is awaiting approval to begin a four-year degree program in education, designed for those interested in teaching kindergarten through eighth grade.
Thornton told The Vidette the additional four-year degrees are the result of 2012 state legislation that allows colleges to establish applied bachelor degree programs. At the time, a regional assessment also determined four-year degrees were needed in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. The programs being offered were chosen by GHC to meet the needs of local employers.
The college does not expect additional four-year degrees in the near future, Thornton said. Because the four-year degree programs were established with local students and employers in mind, it’s not anticipated (nor was it the intent) that the programs will draw students from other parts of the region or country.
For more information about the college’s four-year degrees, contact Thornton, (360) 538-4022 or email jeb.thornton@ghc.edu.
