HLC Approves Three New Bachelors Programs for Diné College

Tsaile, Ariz.—Diné College is pleased to announce that three new Bachelors programs will be offered this coming fall.

On, July 1, 2016, the Navajo Nation’s first and oldest college received news they have been approved to offer three new Bachelors programs: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor in Science in Secondary Education, with tracks in math and science, and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Diné College. The college holds memberships in the Rocky Mountain, Arizona, New Mexico, Pacific, and American Associations of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers; the American Indian Higher Education Consortium; and the Association of American Junior and Community Colleges.

“We are profoundly grateful for the collaborative efforts of several divisions and committees who took the initiative to design these programs to provide new and exciting opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Lisa Eutsey, Dean of the Faculty, Diné College.

The college already had two Bachelor programs being offered and now with these three approved degrees, it now brings five Bachelor programs available at Diné College.

“The authorization and approval of (HLC) to allow and provide opportunities of this caliber means it elevates significantly the education wherewithal here at Diné College,” said Dr. Martin Ahumada, president Diné College.

Ahumada said these three new Bachelors programs will enable students to take course work and graduate with a degree and work in fields that are “important to the Navajo Nation.”

Additionally, students will find the cost of obtaining these degrees is very affordable, said
Dr. Henry Fowler, Provost of Diné College.

“Math, science, and biology are degrees that have multiple use,” Fowler said. “Students can afford to pay for these degrees that are competitive and much needed in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) initiative.”
Fowler added the three new Bachelor degree programs adds further credibility and legitimacy to Diné College.

The college already has two Bachelors programs being offered to students: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, which focuses on Tribal Management and Economic Development and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.

Eutsey said Diné College is also working on a Bachelor in Navajo Language and Culture, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and a Bachelor in Fine Arts in the near future.

Currently, two new certificate programs are now being offered as well. They are certificate in computer technology and certificate of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Students can contact Edison Curtis, Academic Advisor for more information at (928) 724-6727.

Diné College was established in 1968 as the first tribally-controlled community college in the United States. As a postsecondary educational institution, Diné College awards 19 associate degrees, six certificates and two bachelor degrees. The College maintains its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Under the direction of an eight-member Board of Regents confirmed by the Naabik’iyátí’ of the Navajo Nation Council, Diné College has the responsibility to serve residents of the 26,000 square mile Navajo Nation which spans the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Diné College has successfully maintained HLC accreditation since 1976.

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