The move strengthens Dallas' most accessible workforce-aligned pathway to a four-year degree as more than 400 students enroll in the new online program. 

DALLAS, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas College is growing its bachelor's degree portfolio to four with the launch of its Bachelor of Applied Science in Management. The new, fully online program gives working adults, transfer students and associate degree holders a flexible path to a four-year degree and career advancement.

More than 400 students have already enrolled in the new bachelor's degree in management, and more than 1,000 prospective students have expressed interest. The 120-credit degree costs $11,880 in tuition for Dallas County residents, or less for students who enter the program with applicable college credit.

The program combines online access with workforce-focused instruction in management, leadership, and business. During the final 30 credit hours, student's complete competency-based courses that allow them to advance by demonstrating mastery of the material.

"Working adults should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and completing a bachelor's degree," said Dr. Shawnda Floyd, Dallas College Provost. "The Bachelor of Applied Science in Management combines the flexibility our students need with the business and leadership skills employers value. The strong enrollment response confirms that students are looking for a different path to a bachelor's degree that is relevant, accessible and connected to workforce opportunities."

Octavia Kimble represents the working adults the program was created to serve. Kimble returned to college in her late 30s and earned an associate degree in criminal justice at Dallas College's Eastfield Campus. After completing her associate degree, she received a promotion at Dallas ISD, where she works in school safety and crisis management.

While pursuing a Crisis Intervention Certificate, Kimble learned that she could remain at Dallas College and continue toward a bachelor's degree in management.

"I was so excited. This is perfect, and I'm ready for it," Kimble said. "It will open doors for me. I'm hoping to complete it within 10 months. The ability to move quickly through the courses is a lifesaver for people like me who took an unconventional route."

The program is offered through an alternative pricing structure known as a tuition subscription model. For the competency-based portion of the degree, students pay a flat-rate per term of enrollment and begin with two courses.

After successfully completing those courses, students may request another course at no additional cost. Courses are added sequentially as students demonstrate competency, creating opportunities to accelerate learning and reduce the time required to complete the degree.

The competency-based format allows students to:

• Progress by demonstrating mastery of course material
• Move more quickly through concepts they already know
• Focus more time on developing new knowledge and skills
• Complete additional courses during the semester at no additional cost
• Potentially reduce the time required to complete the degree

"The Bachelor of Applied Science in Management is designed to recognize and accelerate learning wherever learning occurs," said Dr. Darryl Williams, Vice Provost of the Dallas College School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade. "With competency-based education, students advance by demonstrating mastery of the knowledge and skills rather than progressing solely based on time spent in the classroom. The model provides a more personalized path while maintaining academic rigor and preparing graduates to lead in a dynamic business environment."

Students who already hold an associate degree can follow a seamless pathway to complete the bachelor's degree in two years or less, depending on the credits accepted and the pace at which they progress.

Eligible students may also receive credit for prior learning, including knowledge and skills gained through employment, industry certifications, professional training, or military service. Credit for prior learning (CPL) may further reduce the number of courses a student must complete, shortening the path to graduation and lowering the student's overall tuition costs.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Management is Dallas College's fourth bachelor's degree program since 2020 and reflects the institution's growing role as an affordable bachelor's degree provider for North Texas.

Dallas College launched its first bachelor's degree program, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching, in 2020. The college added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2024 and Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development in Fall 2025.

Together, the four programs expand opportunities for North Texas students to earn workforce-focused bachelor's degrees close to home while benefiting from Dallas College's affordable tuition, student services and connections to regional employers.

On Wednesday, October 14, there will be a launch event at the Dallas College Richland Campus from 1-3 p.m. to commemorate the new program. The event will feature remarks from the Dallas College Chancellor, Dr. Justin Lonon, as well as from faculty and students of the program.

For more information about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Management, visit the Dallas College Dallas College School of Business Hospitality and Global Trade.

About Dallas College
Founded in 1965, Dallas College consists of seven campuses - Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland - plus a dozen centers located throughout Dallas County. As one of the largest community colleges in the U.S., Dallas College offers online and in-person learning, serving more than 133,000 credit, workforce and continuing education students annually. Students benefit from partnerships with local school districts, four-year universities, industry and community leaders. Dallas College offers associate degrees and career/technical certificate programs in more than 100 areas of study, as well as bachelor's degrees in education, nursing, software development and management. As the largest provider of dual credit in Texas, Dallas College serves 30,000 high school students through 64 dual credit programs.

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SOURCE Dallas College