-Editorial
Imperial Valley College has received conditional approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to offer a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation, marking the first time in the institution’s history that a four-year degree program will be available locally.
The program now awaits final approval from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). Once accredited, IVC will be fully authorized to launch the program, expanding educational and career opportunities for students in Imperial County.
“This milestone marks a defining moment for our institution and our community as we take one step closer to transforming the economic and educational landscape of Imperial County,” said IVC Superintendent/President Lennor M. Johnson, Ed.D.
The Industrial Automation program is designed to prepare students for careers in automation technologies, robotics, control systems, and industrial networks. The curriculum builds on the existing Associate of Science degree, equipping graduates with the technical and leadership skills needed for roles in industries such as mineral extraction, geothermal energy, manufacturing, and logistics.
The program aligns with increasing workforce demands and aims to provide local students with access to high-wage career opportunities without requiring them to relocate.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our Workforce Development faculty and staff, whose outstanding efforts in preparing a top-tier application led to this approval,” Johnson said, acknowledging contributions from faculty and administrators involved in the program’s development.
California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian recognized the significance of IVC’s new program in a letter of congratulations, stating that it supports the system’s Vision 2030 initiative to expand educational access and workforce readiness.
“The Industrial Automation bachelor’s degree program will equip students with the specialized skills needed to secure high-wage careers and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the region,” Christian wrote.
The program is set to be presented as an informational item at the upcoming California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting, further highlighting its statewide significance.
Johnson emphasized IVC’s long-term vision for expanding degree offerings.
“Our mission has always been to eliminate barriers to student access and success, and this new degree pathway will do just that,” he said. “By offering a bachelor’s degree, we are not only empowering our students with specialized skills for high-wage careers but also taking a bold step toward eradicating poverty in our county.”
Johnson also stated that IVC plans to develop additional bachelor’s degree programs in the future to meet the evolving needs of the region.
