Jul 17, 2014 08:22 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Higher Learning Commission has approved baccalaureate degrees in the life sciences and physical sciences at Cottey College, beginning in fall 2014.

"We are thrilled to be able to tell prospective students they can earn a bachelor's degree in science," President Dr. Judy Rogers said in a statement. "Probably most exciting for us, however, is the general approval we now have to develop baccalaureate degrees in any liberal arts and sciences field."

"This means we can carefully look at the majors that today's students are interested in pursuing, develop a program, and offer it."

With the inclusion of science, Cottey now offers eight baccalaureate majors: Business Administration-Management, English, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, International Business, International Relations, Liberal Arts, and Psychology.

Rogers said that although the College aims to add more four-year degree programs, it is still supportive of the school's two-year associate degree programs. As an associate degree-granting college, the school has encouraged and prepared young women to become better leaders, learners and citizens in a global society.

Cottey offers the Associate in Arts, Associate in Arts-Music, Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Science degrees.

The liberal arts college is the only nonsectarian college in the United States owned and supported by women, for women.

All of Cottey's Bachelor of Arts programs focus on women's leadership, social responsibility and global awareness besides specific major requirements. Regardless of their chosen major, students are permitted to take courses outside their bachelor's program. Courses on leadership and global awareness are mostly preferred.

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