Cascadia College earned approval to offer its first baccalaureate degree beginning fall quarter of 2015. The degree, a Bachelor in Applied Science in Sustainable Practices, will prepare graduates for careers in the state’s growing green economy.

“The degree is a product of thousands of hours of work by Cascadia faculty, administrators, and leaders of dozens of businesses including the Department of Ecology, Puget Sound Energy, and Waste Management,” Cascadia’s Vice President for Student Learning and Student Success Rosemary Sutton said. “Our goal was to design a four-year degree that would meet pressing industry needs and lead graduates directly to well-paying jobs.”

Washington state industries are being required to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiencies but there is a currently a gap in the workforce. Graduates of Cascadia’s BAS in Sustainable Practices will be trained to work with cities or communities, business or labor partners, and public or private industry to develop, implement, and evaluate practices and programs designed to achieve environmental objectives.

“There really isn’t anything else like Cascadia’s degree being offered in the state or even in the country,” Special Assistant to the Vice President Ron Wheadon said. “The graduates of this program will combine management and communication skills with technical and scientific skills to create real solutions to environmental and energy problems.”

Cascadia’s BAS in Sustainable Practices has been approved by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges under the authority of RCW 28B.50.810 and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.