MOHAVE COUNTY — Mohave College is has announced that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has granted accreditation approval for the College to offer a suite of bachelor’s degree programs, marking a major milestone in expanding accessible, affordable four-year education in Mohave County.
Last February, the College Board of Governors approved the launch of three new bachelor’s programs. College faculty and employees worked closely with industry and community leaders throughout the region to identify in-demand career fields with positions that require a bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
This program aims to help fill the critical regional teacher shortage. Labor market data project a 19% growth in teaching jobs in the region, and Arizona currently has more than 6,000 classrooms without a qualified teacher, including 2,229 vacant elementary education positions.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
The program addresses workforce demand in clinical labs, environmental and parks management, research, science education, environmental consulting, ecology, forensics, and biotechnology fields. Particularly relevant for students planning to pursue graduate or professional programs such as medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, or optometry.
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
This program addressed the strong local demand in behavioral health, social work, criminal justice, addiction treatment, and public health. Positions such as therapists, case managers, and others in the field require a bachelor’s degree. In 2024 there were 1,293 jobs in this field in the region, projected to grow to 1,382 jobs by 2029.
The HLC conducted a thorough review, which included an on campus visit and interviews with faculty and staff this fall semester. Today they contacted the College to announced the College secured the HLC’s final approval, which clears the way for students to begin enrolling for the Spring 2026 semester, which begins January 12, 2026.
These new bachelor’s degree programs are the first to be offered by the only College based in, and supported by the residents of northwestern Arizona.
The College now provides high-quality, two-year and four-year academic pathways right in Mohave County – without the out-of-pocket costs of a typical university. For example, the College projects an approximate cost of $13,650 for an on-time, four-year completion of a bachelor’s degree at Mohave, compared to $46,000-$55,000 at Arizona’s public universities.
“This is a game-changing opportunity for our students and community,” said Interim Mohave College President Dr. Tim Culver. “By offering these bachelor’s degrees right here at home, we’re making four-year degrees more affordable, more accessible, and aligned with local workforce needs, and we’re just getting started. Our faculty are working on adding more bachelor’s degree options, which you will soon hear more about.”
Current, returning and new students are encouraged to act now to secure their place. Enrollment for Spring 2026 is open, and college enrollment navigators and advisors are available to help guide students through program choices, advising, and financial aid options. New students should start by creating a student account at FutureBighorn.com.
The next step in the process is approval of federal financial aid eligibility for the new degrees. In the meantime, the College continues to offer a robust scholarship program to support students in the interim.
For more information on the new bachelor’s degree programs visit Mohave.edu/Bachelors.
