Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) has added another bachelor’s degree option for students. The Higher Learning Commission recently gave BMCC the green light to offer a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems (CIS).

Department Chair Tyler Postma has been preparing for the launch of the program 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, which will be offered fully online, is designed for students nationwide.

According to Postma, there is a shortage of CIS 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 to also increase.

Students who are already taking the computer science associate’s degree, or who have already 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.”

BMCC also offers a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and is currently seeking approval for a new business degree.