Whitworth offers bachelor's degree at Big Bend

Whitworth University has a new office on the campus of Big Bend Community College and is gearing up to offer a bachelor’s degree in organizational management for local students.

Whitworth plans to start classes in the winter of 2014 (January), said Terry Ratcliff, Whitworth’s Dean of the School of Continuing Studies. A direct transfer agreement (DTA) between BBCC and Whitworth is in place, which allows students with a DTA associate’s degree to transfer to the university with junior status

Whitworth is targeting working adults who have an associate’s degree or some college credits.

“We are looking for students who have been in the workforce and need the degree for promotion opportunities, or to enhance their skills in management,” Ratcliff said.

Whitworth will offer one three-credit class every six weeks. Students can take up to nine credits per semester with this model, Radcliff said.

The courses include a mix of on-line and face-to-face instruction. Whitworth’s office in BBCC’s University Center will be staffed three to four days per month, Ratcliff said.

BBCC encourages universities to offer bachelor’s degree opportunities locally so students don’t have to relocate or commute long distances.

“This is what was envisioned when the University Center opened,” said BBCC President Terry Leas. “It is great to be working with another partner that provides bachelor’s degree opportunities for people in BBCC’s service district.”

Other schools with bachelor’s degree programs at BBCC include Heritage University (in education), and Central Washington University (in accounting and aviation).

To learn more about Whitworth’s organizational management degree program at BBCC, contact the School of Continuing Studies at 509-777-3222, or e-mail continuingstudies@whitworth.edu.