You can't get a doctoral degree at most California State University campuses, but beginning in the fall you will be able to earn one at Canada College in Redwood City or Miramar College in San Diego.
The two community colleges are among a growing number that are partnering with universities to offer bachelor's, master's and PhD degree programs on their campuses.
The movement was prompted in part to more efficiently and economically educate people in such fields as teaching, nursing and high tech that have drastic shortages of talent.
Junior colleges in Florida, which are leading the movement to extend the academic reach of community colleges, will offer their own bachelor's degrees beginning this summer.
Other two-year schools, including some in California, are launching four-year and advanced-degree programs on their campuses through partnerships with universities and colleges. Without ever leaving the community college campus, students will be able to earn degrees ranging from the traditional associate of arts or science to a doctorate in such fields as education or electrical engineering.
Designers of the collaborations say they are filling a void in career preparation that universities cannot. Community colleges--already adept at educating the poorest, most diverse and most geographically restricted students--are able to swiftly change curriculum to match the needs of business, educators say.
"This is the inevitable next natural evolution of the community colleges," said Steve Wallace, president of Florida Community College in Jacksonville. "Our mission is not to give associate degrees. It is to meet the education needs of our communities. The workplace has become infinitely more sophisticated, and we have to respond."
But some educators say not so fast.
Pat Callahan, president of the San Jose-based Center for Public Policy in Higher Education, said policymakers nationwide have debated whether four-year programs at community colleges will adversely change the culture of the two-year schools.
"I'd start by saying leave the degree conferral to the UCs and CSUs," Callahan said. "I'd let the community colleges do it only as a last resort.
"Will the community colleges jump on the prestige bandwagon and start looking for presidents and faculty to build it into a university?"
