(AP) -- Community colleges would be allowed to offer some types of bachelor's degrees under terms of a bill approved by the Michigan House.
The measure approved by a 67-43 vote Thursday would let the community colleges offer bachelor's degrees for nursing, culinary arts, cement technology, maritime technology and energy production technology. The colleges traditionally offer two-year degrees.
The proposal has caused some competitive concern among representatives of universities offering four-year degrees. Some want community colleges stick to two-year degrees and preparing students to transfer to four-year schools.
Michigan has 28 community colleges.
Northwestern Community College in Traverse City will act immediately on starting four year degree programs if the bill passes. The Vice President of Educational Services tells 7 & 4 News the first bachelor program they will offer will be for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
The four-year degree would allow students in the two current programs at the academy to continue their education at NMC. Officials hope to get the new program started within a year of the legislation passage.
NMC would also like to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Leaders would hope to have the option available to students within two years.
The bill for community college programs is House Bill 4496.
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