Chemeketa Approved To Offer New Bachelor Of Applied Science In Education Degree - 04/30/26

BASE degree will create a new, local pathway for future teachers and help address Oregon’s educator shortage 

Salem, Ore., April 30, 2026 — Chemeketa Community College has been approved to offer a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Education degree as part of Oregon’s statewide BASE initiative, creating an exciting new opportunity for students who want to become teachers while staying connected to their local communities.

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission approved the new degree on April 9. Chemeketa is one of five Oregon community colleges approved to offer the BASE degree beginning Fall 2027, along with Columbia Gorge, Linn-Benton, Rogue and Treasure Valley community colleges. The colleges will work together through a statewide consortium designed to expand access, reduce duplication and support a coordinated, cost-effective rollout.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Chemeketa students and for the communities we serve,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Many future educators are already working in our schools, supporting students as instructional assistants, bilingual staff members and community advocates. The BASE degree creates a more accessible pathway for them to take the next step and become licensed teachers.”

The new degree comes at a critical time for Oregon. The state is projected to face more than 3,000 licensed teacher vacancies within five years, with some of the greatest needs in special education, bilingual education and rural classrooms.

Chemeketa’s participation in the BASE initiative aligns with the college’s mission to expand educational opportunity and strengthen the regional workforce. The program is designed to serve students who may not be able to relocate or follow a traditional university pathway, including working adults, first-generation college students, bilingual instructional assistants and rural residents.

“This degree has the potential to change lives in a very practical way,” Howard said. “Students will be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree through their local community college, while school districts gain access to talented educators who already understand the communities and students they will serve.”

The BASE degree will complement existing university transfer pathways and educator preparation programs by creating another route into the teaching profession. The statewide consortium model will rely on shared curriculum, online and hybrid delivery, existing college infrastructure and credit for prior learning to help keep the program accessible and affordable.

As part of HECC’s approval, enrollment will be capped statewide at 30 students in the first year and 50 students per year during the following three years to support quality and sustainable growth.

More information about Chemeketa’s BASE degree pathway will be shared as program development continues.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.