Clark’s first bachelor of science degree program begins fall 2025

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College is offering a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. The first cohort will start in fall 2025, with students graduating in spring 2027. 

Although Clark College offers five bachelor of applied science (BAS) degrees, this is Clark’s first bachelor of science (BS) degree. 

Clark College currently offers a two-year associate’s degree in computer science. Previously, graduates of Clark’s two-year program who wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science had to transfer to a four-year institution. Beginning in fall 2025, computer science students can earn their associate’s degree followed by their bachelor’s degree entirely at Clark College. 

Graduates of this program will be qualified for a wide range of computer software development opportunities across many industries. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $105,990 in May 2024, which was more than double the median wage for all occupations, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [source]. Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 26% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations [source]. 

Izad Khormaee, director and professor of computer science at Clark College, explained how the new Bachelor of Science degree program will prepare graduates to step into a variety of fields in the computer industry. He said, “Our program focuses on preparing students to be productive on their first day of their career. Students may choose to specialize in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Mobile Application Development and imbedded systems programming. Demand for graduates with a BS in computer science is growing. Our graduates will be prepared to enter promising careers offering excellent pay and enormous opportunity for growth.”

Background: During the 2020-2021 legislative session, Washington State legislators passed Substitute Senate HB 5401, which permits community and technical colleges to offer a bachelor of science in computer science degree, subject to approval by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Clark is among a dozen Washington community colleges to offer a BS in computer science. The closest is South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, which is 105 miles from Clark College. 

“Clark College always strives to meet local and regional industry needs. The industry of computer and information technology is growing exponentially, and is expected to continue growing,” Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards said. “Our Bachelor of Science degree in computer science will prepare students to assume current and future positions in this high-demand field.”

Learn more about Clark’s new BS in computer science here: https://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/dept/cse/

More about Clark College bachelor degrees: https://www.clark.edu/academics/degrees/bas.php

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About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

Information provided by Clark College Communications.