2027 is already set to be a big year for Maricopa Community Colleges, as the system prepares to introduce three new bachelor’s degree programs — Exercise Science, Health Services Leadership, and Law and Legal Studies — all slated to welcome students beginning Fall 2027. The new degree programs are part of a multi-year effort to increase access to high-quality, workforce-aligned bachelor’s pathways across the 10-college system, helping meet the needs of students and employers while addressing labor shortages in growing industries.
“Maricopa Community Colleges have always been a pioneering force in the Valley,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of the 10-college system. “In only three years, we have successfully launched 11 bachelor’s degree programs and celebrated graduates from nine of the programs. Today, bachelor’s degrees have become integrated into our offerings, providing the smart next step for students completing their associate degrees. We are no longer just an option, but rather the most affordable option for a bachelor’s degree in Maricopa County.”
Preparing Students for In-Demand Careers
Pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, students will be able to register for the new programs beginning Spring 2027.
A Career in Motion: Mesa Community College (MCC) will offer a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, creating a pathway for students who want to prepare for careers as personal trainers or fitness instructors, or to further their education to become physical therapists or sports medicine professionals. The program’s emphasis on fitness and human performance and pre-physical therapy will help students develop the technical knowledge needed to work in exercise and health-related settings. Through a unique partnership with A.T. Still University (ATSU), qualified students in MCC's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program may apply to a 3.5+2.5 pathway, allowing students to begin Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) coursework before completing their bachelor's degree. Students who complete the pathway earn both a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from MCC and a DPT degree from ATSU.
More than Medicine: At GateWay Community College (GWCC), the Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services Leadership will prepare current and future healthcare professionals to lead, evaluate, and improve healthcare delivery across distinct patient populations. Using evidence-based practice, students will gain knowledge across healthcare leadership, policy, operations, economics, finance, information technology, and population health to prepare for roles such as healthcare administration, public health, and health technology. Careers in medical and health services management are projected to grow by 23%, with nearly 143,000 new positions in the next decade. This program is designed to build leadership, operations, and decision-making skills that support strong teams and patient-centered services.
Balancing the Scales of Justice: The Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies will be offered at Rio Salado College (RSC). This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the American legal system, its institutions, and the role of law in governing society. This program prepares students to serve as Legal Paraprofessionals (LP) and in legal-adjacent roles. As licensed legal providers in Arizona, LPs are authorized to give legal advice, sign pleadings, and represent clients in court within specific practice areas. As part of the program, students may also select degree specializations to prepare for their LP licensure in Arizona in areas including family, civil, criminal, administrative, and probate law. Arizona is pioneering the LP role, providing a new career pathway and licensure level to help expand access and address gaps in accessing justice and legal services.
How it Started
In 2023, Maricopa Community Colleges introduced affordable bachelor’s degrees with seven workforce-aligned programs. Expansions in 2024 and 2025 brought the total to 11. This academic year, the system celebrated a record-breaking commencement season with over 300 bachelor’s graduates—bringing the total to 600 since the first programs launched in Fall 2023.
“These three new programs represent our ongoing commitment to creating opportunity for every Arizonan,” continued Chancellor Gonzales. “With nearly 10,000 students currently enrolled across our 11 bachelor’s degree offerings, the demand for affordable baccalaureate pathways is clear.”
Since launching the bachelor’s degrees, Maricopa Community Colleges has kept tuition rates frozen. Students pay $97 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $145.50 per credit hour for upper-division courses. As a result of these affordable rates, along with scholarships and grants, 93% of students attending the system’s 10 colleges graduate debt-free.
What Leaders are Saying
“GateWay is proud to offer a large variety of pathways for students pursuing healthcare professions, and as the needs grow, we are excited to expand our educational opportunities in the Phoenix area. This bachelor’s degree will help create healthcare administrators that lead us into the future,” said Dr. Amy Diaz, GWCC President.
"Mesa Community College has established a reputation for excellence in Exercise Science through our associate’s degree program, personal training certificates, and the dedication of our outstanding faculty,” said Dr. Richard Daniel, MCC President. “The new Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science creates a seamless pathway for students to continue their education at MCC while preparing for careers that promote health, wellness, human performance and rehabilitation. We are excited to expand opportunities for students and meet the growing workforce needs of our community."
“The Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies was developed with student opportunity and workforce needs at the heart of the program," said Dr. Kate Smith, RSC President. "By combining a strong foundation in the American legal system with specialized pathways aligned to Arizona’s paraprofessional licensure areas, this program gives students a clear and affordable route to advance their education and prepare for in-demand careers.”
Learn more about the Valley’s most affordable bachelor’s degrees at maricopa.edu.