Allan Hancock College, Cal Poly Partner for New Bachelor’s Degree
- Students at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria will soon have an even greater prospect to pursue higher education.A new partnership allows them to earn an additional degree...
- This initiative addresses the growing need for accessible higher education opportunities, not only in Santa Maria but throughout Northern Santa Barbara County.
- For students like Edward Lamberson, a third-year Allan Hancock student, the Cal Poly 2+2 program is a game-changer.
Cal Poly Expands Degree Opportunities at Allan hancock College in Santa Maria
Table of Contents
Posted: March 17, 2025
Enhanced Educational Access for Local Students
Students at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria will soon have an even greater prospect to pursue higher education.A new partnership allows them to earn an additional degree from Cal Poly without needing to leave the Allan Hancock campus.
This initiative addresses the growing need for accessible higher education opportunities, not only in Santa Maria but throughout Northern Santa Barbara County. The expansion builds upon the existing Cal Poly 2+2 program, which has already proven accomplished.
The Cal Poly 2+2 Program: A Stepping Stone to Success
For students like Edward Lamberson, a third-year Allan Hancock student, the Cal Poly 2+2 program is a game-changer. Lamberson, who is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in sociology, emphasizes the program’s convenience:
The opportunity makes everything easier for me and my family.
Edward Lamberson, Allan Hancock Student
The program allows Lamberson to maintain his support system in Santa Maria, which assists him with daily needs like transportation, while he works towards his four-year degree. He notes that this degree “wouldn’t have been possible” if it weren’t offered at the Hancock campus.
Lamberson highlights the importance of community-based education:
You don’t have to go anywhere. You can come here and better yourself and stay in your community and then help better your community.
Edward Lamberson, allan Hancock Student
New Business Administration Degree on the Horizon
Building on the success of the sociology degree program launched in the fall of 2024, both schools are expanding the program to include a business administration degree at Allan Hancock through Cal Poly. The initial sociology cohort includes approximately 50 students.
The president of the Board of Trustees for Allan Hancock,Hilda Zacarias,expressed her enthusiasm during the announcement:
It’s hard to keep the tears from flowing.
Hilda Zacarias, President of the Board of Trustees for Allan Hancock
Zacarias, a Cal Poly business administration graduate, is especially excited that this opportunity is now available to the Santa Maria community, especially for those who lack the resources to attend classes in San Luis Obispo.
Superintendent and President of Allan Hancock College Kevin Walthers added:
To finally get to a point where we can break through that bureaucracy and do what’s right for our community is really, really rewarding.
Kevin Walthers, Superintendent and president of Allan Hancock college
Future Expansion and Impact
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong noted the positive reception of the initial sociology degree program, stating, “We learned about the sociology degree is that was, that it was good, it was well-received, but clearly, more was needed.”
With the addition of the business administration bachelor’s degree,nearly 100 students will have the opportunity to earn their four-year degrees from Cal Poly through Allan Hancock’s campus. This expanded access aims to provide greater educational opportunities for individuals like Lamberson.
Walthers emphasized the supportive habitat the program offers:
He’ll have an opportunity where he can be on a campus where he’s safe and supported and be able to get that four-year degree that all of California should have an opportunity to get.
Kevin Walthers, Superintendent and President of Allan Hancock College
The business degree program is scheduled to commence in 2026, with further program expansions planned for 2028 and 2030. This ongoing commitment promises to transform higher education access in the region.
Here’s a Q&A-style article about the Cal poly and Allan Hancock College partnership,designed to be informative,engaging,and evergreen:
Cal Poly & Allan Hancock College Partnership: Expanding Educational Opportunities – Q&A
This article answers frequently asked questions about the innovative partnership between Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College,aimed at increasing access to four-year degrees for local students in Santa Maria and northern Santa Barbara County.
Q: What is the Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College partnership all about?
A: The partnership allows qualified students to earn a cal Poly bachelor’s degree while staying on the Allan Hancock College campus in Santa Maria.This initiative addresses the need for more accessible higher education,particularly for students who may face challenges attending classes at Cal Poly’s main campus in San Luis Obispo. The expansion builds upon the existing Cal poly 2+2 program.
Q: What is the Cal Poly 2+2 program?
A: The Cal Poly 2+2 program is designed to provide a seamless pathway for students to complete their frist two years of college at Allan Hancock College and then transfer to Cal poly to complete their bachelor’s degree. This partnership extends the 2+2 model by allowing students to finish their Cal Poly degree without physically relocating to Cal Poly’s San Luis Obispo campus.
Q: Which degree programs are currently offered through this partnership?
A: Currently, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is offered.Starting in 2026, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration will also be available on the Allan Hancock campus. Future expansions are planned for 2028 and 2030.
Q: When will the Business Administration degree program start?
A: The Business Administration degree program is scheduled to commence in 2026.
Q: why is this partnership critically important for students in the Santa Maria area?
A: This partnership is crucial as it:
Increases Accessibility: Makes a four-year degree from Cal Poly accessible to students who cannot relocate to San luis Obispo due to financial, family, or other constraints.
provides Convenience: Allows students to maintain their support systems,including family,jobs,and transportation,while pursuing their education.
Supports Community Growth: Enables students to “stay in your community and then help better your community,” as highlighted by Allan Hancock student Edward Lamberson.
Q: How many students are currently enrolled in the Sociology program?
A: The initial sociology cohort includes approximately 50 students.The expansion with the Business Administration degree is expected to bring the total number of students in the program to nearly 100.
Q: What are the future plans for this partnership?
A: Cal poly and Allan Hancock College plan to further expand the program with additional degree offerings in 2028 and 2030. The goal is to continue providing accessible and high-quality educational opportunities to the local community.
Q: Who are the key individuals involved in this partnership?
A: Key individuals include:
Jeffrey Armstrong: Cal Poly President
kevin Walthers: Superintendent and President of Allan Hancock College
Hilda Zacarias: President of the Board of trustees for Allan Hancock College
Q: How does this program support students throughout their education?
A: Kevin Walthers emphasizes that the program provides a supportive environment were students feel safe and can successfully pursue their four-year degrees. This supportive habitat is designed to help students overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals.
Q: What are the benefits of earning a Business Administration degree?
A: A Business Administration degree will offer students the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in diverse fields such as finance, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. This degree will equip students with analytical and problem-solving capabilities, along with expertise in business operations.
Q: How Can I learn more about the Program?
A: Contact Allan Hancock college or Cal Poly admissions departments. See these links for specific programs with guaranteed transfer pathways:
Allan Hancock College University Transfer Data
Key Program Details:
| Feature | Description |
| ————————— | ——————————————————————————————————- |
| Participating Institutions | Cal Poly,Allan Hancock College |
| Current degrees Offered | sociology |
| Upcoming Degrees Offered | Business Administration (starting 2026) |
| Program goal | Increase access to four-year degrees for local students in Santa Maria and Northern Santa Barbara County |