Bay Mills Community College has added another bachelor’s degree option for students.  On July 15, the Higher Learning Commission gave BMCC the green light to offer the new computer science bachelor’s degree this fall. 

Dept. Chair Tyler Postma has been preparing for the launch since January of this year. The program was funded by a grant from the American Indian College Fund. The four-year grant, Nanda-gikendan Waasimowini (seek to learn computers), is designed to build institutional capacity through increased computer science education that strengthens tribal sovereignty.  The program will be offered fully online and is designed for students nationwide. 

According to Postma, there is a shortage of computer information system professionals, especially among tribes, and this degree gives students numerous career options. With remote work continuing to be on the rise, Postma expects the need for CIS personnel will also increase. Students who are already taking the computer science associate degree, or have obtained it, can easily transition into the new bachelor's program. 

“The BS in CIS is a direct pathway from the associate degree in applied science in CIS. This means that current students and former graduates of the CIS program can directly transition to the bachelor’s program,” said Postma. “While the program is fully online, classes/labs are designed with infrastructure to support and simulate actual working environments and equipment”.

Anyone interested in the new CIS program can reach out to Postma for more information by emailing tpostma@bmcc.edu. The full program requirements can be found online at www.bmcc.edu.