Yavapai College has announced the launch of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. The announcement was made at a press conference held today at the YC Prescott Campus.

Registration for classes begins on April 17, 2023, with the classes starting at the beginning of the fall semester on August 12. Any student interested in the degree should fill out this form.

It is the first baccalaureate degree offered by a rural community college in Arizona. In May, Senate Bill 1453 passed into state law allowing community colleges in Arizona to offer baccalaureate degrees.

“After years of effort in this state, we are thrilled to receive this authorization. Yavapai College was at the forefront of the lobbying effort for SB1453 because we knew how much of an impact it could have in our county,” said Dr. Lisa B. Rhine, President of Yavapai College at the press conference.

She said, “Our goal is simple – we want to launch degrees that make sense for community members of all ages, demographics, and occupations. Degrees that can instantly transform lives, help them reach a higher job level, increase their wages, start something new, grow something current, and most importantly, not be gouged with financial or travel burdens. We want our students to graduate from YC, and we want them to stay in Yavapai County.”

The Bachelor of Science in Business degree will have a concentration in Organizational Management and Leadership, allowing almost anybody in any occupation to find it valuable. The concentration will prepare students to become effective leaders in the workforce as managers, supervisors, and team leaders.

Dr. Diane Ryan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, oversaw the development of the degree and spoke about the academic details of the degree.

“This is a modern, high-quality degree. The curriculum will be 120 applicable credits specifically designed to help students achieve career success,” said Dr. Ryan. “I applaud all of the hard work that our faculty and staff put in to make this day a reality, and I am elated for the opportunity our students now have.”

About the Degree

The 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Business Degree:

• Is designed for new students, continuing students, or graduates. Those who are fresh out of high school, have no college, or already have an associate degree in any discipline can enroll.
• Is offered entirely online.
• Can be completed in the traditional pattern for a full-time student of 30 credits per year, which will take four years to complete.
• Can also be completed through 8-week classes, significantly reducing completion time. The 8-week classes will start in August, October, January, March, and June
• Is incredibly affordable when compared to other baccalaureate degree options. Students will pay $155 per credit for in-state tuition for upper-division courses.
• Uses Open Educational Resources for all classes, meaning that there are NO textbook costs for students.
• Has no associated student fees.
• Has a Credit breakdown of:
  • 31 credits of general education requirements
  • 44 credits of lower division requirements, which are introductory business courses
  • 30 credits of upper division requirements in 300 and 400-level courses
  • And 15 credits for the organizational management and leadership concentration

Registration for classes begins on April 17, 2023, with the classes starting at the beginning of the fall semester on August 12. Any student interested in the degree should fill out the form

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Business Degree, visit yc.edu/bsb.