New workforce-aligned degrees aim to meet Arizona’s growing labor demands.
Tempe, Ariz., October 13, 2026 – Maricopa Community Colleges is proud to announce that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has approved accreditation for two additional Baccalaureate Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science at Mesa Community College (MCC) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Law and Legal Studies at Rio Salado College (RSC). Once launched, the system’s total offerings will reach 13 bachelor’s degrees.
“These two new affordable bachelor’s degrees represent exactly the workforce-driven education Arizona needs,” said Dr. Steven Bloomberg, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “Our job as the state’s largest provider of workforce training is to meet students where they are, while preparing them for the roles tomorrow needs; and our bachelor’s offerings do just that.”
A New Path into Fitness, Wellness and Health Careers
The new bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science is designed for learners who want to understand how the body responds to and adapts to physical activity. The program will offer emphasis tracks in Fitness and Human Performance and Pre-Physical Therapy, along with certificate and associate degree pathways. It also serves as a strong foundation for students pursuing further education in sports medicine, kinesiology, or physical therapy. The new BS in Exercise Science builds on MCC’s strong undergraduate Exercise Science program and long-standing partnership with A.T. Still University (ATSU).
“Expected to launch in Fall 2027, the BS in Exercise Science will equip students with the technical knowledge needed for careers in personal training, fitness instruction, and rehabilitation,” said Mesa Community College President Dr. Richard Daniel. “Qualified students pursuing the Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis will have access to a streamlined pathway into ATSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, creating a clear route for students to build on their undergraduate education and continue toward an advanced degree and career in physical therapy.”
Demand for physical therapists in Arizona is quickly rising, and job growth is expected to reach 52% by the start of the next decade. To help address the need for physical therapists, MCC has partnered with ATSU to offer a 3.5+2.5 pathway for qualified students in the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. This pathway allows students to begin Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) coursework before completing their bachelor’s degree. Students who complete this pathway earn both a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from MCC and a DPT degree from ATSU.
Addressing Gaps in Arizona’s Legal Professionals
Arizona currently ranks No. 49 in the nation for lawyers per capita, reflecting a well-documented shortage of legal professionals. To address this gap, the Arizona Supreme Court approved legal paraprofessionals (LPs) in 2021, allowing LPs to provide legal services within a defined scope of practice.
RSC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies prepares students for legal careers with the flexibility of online learning. Students in the Law and Legal Studies bachelor’s degree program can choose an LP specialization to prepare for Arizona licensure, including family, civil, criminal, administrative, or probate law. Once licensed, an Arizona LP with a four-year degree can:
- Draft, sign, and file legal documents.
- Give advice, opinions, or recommendations on legal rights, defenses, and strategies.
- Appear in court on behalf of clients.
- Negotiate for clients in their area of practice.
“Approval of Rio Salado College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies opens the door to new opportunities for students across Arizona,” said Rio Salado College President Dr. Kate Smith. “Through this thoughtfully designed program, students will be prepared to build the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue careers as legal paraprofessionals, helping expand access to much-needed legal services in our communities.”
In addition to preparing students for careers as LPs, the bachelor’s degree provides a strong foundation for legal, governmental, business, and public-service roles. Graduates may become court and judicial support professionals, compliance specialists, contract administrators, regulatory affairs professionals, human resources specialists, government and public administration professionals, policy analysts, victim advocates, or work in healthcare compliance, insurance, risk management, corporate governance, and legal operations.
With competencies in legal research, analysis, communication, ethics, policy, and applying the law, the degree gives graduates transferable skills applicable across industries where legal knowledge is essential.
What’s Next
With HLC approval of these two new programs, students can register for classes in Spring 2027. The colleges will welcome their first cohort of students in Fall 2027.
To learn more about Maricopa Community Colleges bachelor’s degrees, click here.