Bachelor Degree in Building Trades Management

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Foothill College Approved to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Building Trades Management

Foothill College is proud to announce that on February 19, 2026 it received full and final approval from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors to offer a new Bachelor of Science degree in Building Trades Management, marking a major milestone for the college and expanding opportunities for students seeking leadership roles in California’s construction and building industries.

James Todd, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office wrote “Foothill College’s new bachelor’s degree provides an affordable pathway for diverse students, including working adults and place-bound learners, who cannot access California’s traditional four-year universities due to cost,
geography, impaction, or life responsibilities.”

The new degree becomes Foothill College’s third bachelor’s program (along with Dental Hygiene and Respiratory Therapy) and reflects the college’s longstanding commitment to workforce innovation and
student success.

“California’s community colleges meet students where they are, and bachelor’s degrees are a natural extension of that mission,” said Dr. Kristina Whalen, president of Foothill College. “This new program opens doors for skilled trades professionals to advance their careers and lead in an evolving industry. I’m deeply grateful to the Board of Governors and the Chancellor’s Office for recognizing the distinct contribution of this degree and for supporting our commitment to
expanding opportunity through education.”

The Bachelor of Science in Building Trades Management creates a seamless pathway for registered apprentices and journeyworkers to advance from apprenticeship training to a four-year degree, preparing them for management, supervision, and leadership roles in the building and construction trades.

“This transformative degree will impact the lives of many registered apprentices in California,” said Chris Allen, dean of Apprenticeships and Workforce Programs. “This baccalaureate degree provides a clear pathway from registered apprenticeship programs to a four-year degree from Foothill College.”

The new program reflects Foothill’s mission-driven commitment toward expanding access to affordable bachelor’s degrees and strengthening California’s workforce.

Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens and State Senators Josh Becker and Aisha Wahab issued letters of support to Hildegarde B. Aguinaldo, President California Community Colleges Board of Governors, supporting Foothill College bachelor's degree programs. As assembly member Ahrens noted, "California’s continued investments in housing
production, infrastructure, and climate-resilient construction underscore the urgent need for skilled professionals who possess both hands-on trade experience and formal management training."

With this approval, Foothill College continues to build on its legacy of innovation—empowering students, supporting industry, and creating equitable pathways to economic mobility for its diverse community.

Media Contact:
Simon Pennington, AVP College and Community Relations, Marketing and Outreach Foothill College