Colorado Mountain College Steamboat Springs
CMC trustees approve new biology bachelor’s degree, opening doors to health care and research careers
Steamboat Springs, Colo. – At its May 2025 meeting, the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, marking the college’s ninth bachelor’s degree program. Designed to serve students pursuing careers in health care, research and the life sciences, the new degree will provide a direct pathway into high-demand, high-wage professions — including medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology and environmental science. The program will welcome its first students in fall 2026, pending final approvals from the Higher Learning Commission.
“CMC’s mission is to enable mountain communities to thrive through education. Our purpose in offering this new degree is to open doors for rural students to pursue careers in health care and rural medicine — all while staying rooted in their communities,” said CMC President Matt Gianneschi. “The Bachelor of Science in biological sciences will enable more Western Slope students to dream big and, eventually, meaningfully impact the health and well-being of their hometowns.”
The degree draws upon existing coursework in CMC’s natural and health sciences programs and includes core classes in molecular biology, genetics, physiology and biochemistry. By leveraging current resources and faculty expertise, the program provides a cost-effective way to expand opportunities for students interested in science-based careers.
The degree will officially be available in fall 2026, pending accreditation. However, students may begin earning prerequisites for the degree by enrolling in CMC’s Associate of Science program with an emphasis in health science.
In other action, trustees held the first public hearing of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, which includes proposed investments in instruction, technology, student services and capital improvements. The budget includes a 3% tuition increase and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees. Final approval is scheduled for the June board meeting.
The next board of trustees meeting will be held June 23-24 in Breckenridge, where the fiscal year 2025-26 budget will be finalized.