Houston City College trustees have unanimously approved plans for three new applied bachelor’s degree programs as the institution continues expanding its four-year offerings.
The proposed programs would allow students to pursue bachelor’s degrees in Information Technology, Project Management and Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
The programs are expected to begin in spring 2027, pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the college’s accrediting organization.
The information technology program would offer a 120-credit Bachelor of Applied Technology degree. Students would first complete an associate degree before continuing their studies in areas including software development, cloud infrastructure or cybersecurity.
The proposed Bachelor of Applied Science in project management would use a stackable structure, allowing students to earn a certificate and an associate degree while working toward the four-year credential. College officials said the model could help students enter the workforce before completing the full bachelor’s program.
The early childhood education and teaching program would build upon the college’s existing child development and early education courses. The program is intended to prepare students for careers in schools, child care centers and other early-learning environments.
Final information about concentrations, admissions requirements and course delivery has not been released.
The three programs are expected to cost approximately $597,000 during their first year. College projections show the programs could eventually generate more revenue through tuition and state funding than they cost to operate.
The information technology program alone is projected to generate approximately $3.7 million over five years, compared with about $2.1 million in estimated expenses during the same period.
Texas law allows public community colleges to offer a limited number of bachelor’s degrees in areas such as applied science, applied technology and nursing. The programs are generally designed to address workforce needs and provide students with a pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree.
Houston City College already offers bachelor’s degrees in artificial intelligence and robotics and health care management. The institution graduated its first bachelor’s degree students in 2024.
College leaders have said the expansion of four-year programs was among the factors behind the institution’s decision to change its name from Houston Community College to Houston City College.
The three proposed programs are not yet accepting applications. Tuition rates, campus locations, enrollment requirements and online options are expected to be announced after the state and accreditation review processes are completed.