Labor Market Assessment
Planning began in November 2025. The Center of Excellence BDP labor market assessment was requested in February 2026 and has been received, including the labor market endorsement and required workforce data.
Cycle 9 Application Path
Status & Timeline
The proposal began in November 2025, completed regional and evidence review during 2026, was submitted to the CCCCO in August 2026, and received provisional approval on October 2, 2026. It now moves through intersegmental duplication review, ACCJC approval, local approval by the FC Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, and NOCCCD Board of Trustees, and Board of Governors approval.
Nov. 2025
Planning process started
May 2026
COE LMI received
Aug. 2026
Cycle 9 application submitted
Oct. 2026
CCCCO provisional approval
Program and Curriculum Development
The final submission defines the 120-unit pathway, upper-division curriculum, four program learning outcomes, catalog description, Cal-GETC pathway, faculty qualifications, and two-course capstone.
Regional Consultation
Employer and education partner evidence was collected, three workforce boards provided joint support, and the Orange County Regional Consortium recommended the proposal on June 16, 2026.
Student Demand and Non-Duplication
Student survey results, enrollment and completer projections, and the statewide CSU/UC non-duplication analysis were completed and included in the application.
Administrative and Funding Readiness
The administrative and funding plan, student support model, resource analysis, district reserve policy, and institutional certifications were included in the final package.
CCCCO Cycle 9 Submission
The complete application and supporting attachments were submitted to the Chancellor's Office in August 2026, ahead of the Cycle 9 deadline.
CCCCO Quality Review & Provisional Approval
On October 2, 2026, the Chancellor's Office announced that the application passed the program compliance and quality review, scoring 136.5 of 150 points, and granted the degree provisional approval.
Intersegmental Duplication Review
The Chancellor's Office sent the application to CSU, UC, and AICCU for a 30-day review (October 2 – November 13). Any written objections are due November 13, followed by campus-to-campus consultations November 13–30. Fullerton College will document any concerns raised, changes made, and resolutions reached.
ACCJC Substantive Change
Fullerton College initiated the ACCJC substantive change process in August 2026. Once ACCJC approval is granted, the approval letter is submitted to the Chancellor's Office. ACCJC approval is required for full program approval and implementation.
FC Curriculum Committee Approval
The Fullerton College Curriculum Committee reviews and approves the program and its courses. Local review runs alongside intersegmental review rather than waiting for it to finish.
Faculty Senate Approval
Following Curriculum Committee action, the program goes to the Fullerton College Faculty Senate for review and approval.
NOCCCD Board of Trustees Approval
With college-level approvals in place, the program is brought to the North Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees for approval, timed after intersegmental consultation closes or contingent on final state approval.
Board of Governors Approval
Once the program clears quality review, duplication review, and ACCJC approval, it goes to the Board President and is brought forward to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors as part of the regular public reporting process.
Federal Financial Aid Eligibility
Because a bachelor's degree is a new credential level for the college, Financial Aid applies to the U.S. Department of Education to add the program before Pell Grants or federal loans can be disbursed to its students.
Implementation and Launch
After full approval, finalize local curriculum and catalog processes, confirm staffing and student supports, and carry out the launch and recruitment plan.
Oct. 2, 2026
Provisional approval; CSU/UC/AICCU review begins
Nov. 13, 2026
Written objections due, if any
Nov. 13–30, 2026
Campus-to-campus consultations; Fullerton College responds by Nov. 30
Nov. 19, 2026
Program presentation to the Fullerton College Faculty Senate
Pending
ACCJC, local (Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, NOCCCD Board), and Board of Governors approval
Fall 2028
Program launch: first upper-division cohort begins
Post-Approval Workplan
What needs attention during intersegmental review.
Duplication Response
Be ready to explain how the degree differs from CSU and UC programs if campuses reach out with questions or concerns.
Consultation Record
Document every objection raised, any changes made to the program, and any unresolved duplication concerns, as the Chancellor's Office requires.
Accreditation
Complete the ACCJC substantive change review and forward the approval letter to the Chancellor's Office.
Launch Readiness
Refine curriculum, staffing, advising, student support, communications, and enrollment plans ahead of full approval.
Regulatory Design Checks
Title 5 requirements to keep visible through review and implementation.
120 Units
Baccalaureate degrees require completion of at least 120 semester units.
40 Upper-Division Units
The degree must include at least 40 semester units of total upper-division coursework.
9 Upper-Division GE Units
Upper-division general education must include at least nine semester units across at least two disciplines outside the major.
Program Admission
Enrollment in upper-division courses is limited to students admitted to a California community college baccalaureate program.
Source: CCCCO BDP application materials, workforce need overview, and March 2025 final revisions to Title 5 baccalaureate degree regulations.