(US MEDIA GROUP) – California State University (CSU) campuses, including Sacramento State, will now have the ability to offer independent professional and applied doctoral degrees thanks to Governor Gavin Newsom signing Assembly Bill 656 into law. This landmark legislation expands CSU’s range of doctoral degree options, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and aims to increase access to higher education for underrepresented students.
The bill, signed into law on Thursday, allows CSUs to build upon previous legislation that only allowed doctorate programs in selected professional areas. This new legislation will allow for greater flexibility and autonomy for CSUs to develop and offer doctorate programs in a variety of fields.
Sacramento State, one of the 23 CSU campuses, plans to take advantage of this new opportunity by introducing two new doctorate programs in public health and nursing in the near future. These programs will provide students with the opportunity to achieve the highest level of academic credential in their respective fields, further equipping them for professional success.
The new legislation also addresses the ongoing issue of underrepresentation in higher education. By offering more doctoral programs, particularly in STEM fields, CSUs hope to attract and support a more diverse student body. This will not only provide opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue advanced degrees, but also help address the current shortage of highly qualified professionals in these fields.
The signing of Assembly Bill 656 into law is a major milestone for the CSU system and a significant step towards improving access and diversity in higher education. With the addition of new doctoral programs, CSUs are continuing to lead the way in providing affordable and quality education for all students.