(Whittier, Calif.) – Río Hondo College (RHC) will continue expanding its academic offerings as part of its mission to remove barriers to higher education when it releases its Bachelor of Science in Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI), Performance and Production of Electronic Music in fall 2025.
The launch of the new bachelor’s program will make Río Hondo College the only school in the California Community College system to offer a bachelor’s in EDI Performance and Production, according to Dr. George Wheeler, interim dean of Arts, Business, and Cultural Programs.
It will also be RHC’s second baccalaureate program alongside its Automotive Technology degree, which debuted in fall 2016.
RHC’s mission is to provide students with affordable, innovative programming that offers clear pathways leading to in-demand career opportunities. The College’s newest bachelor’s degree builds on its EDI Associate of Science Degree and is designed for students passionate about electronic music.
“We strive to meet the needs of those students looking to pursue their passion and create a better future for themselves without such a heavy financial burden,” said Board of Trustees President Anais Medina Diaz. “We are trying to make higher education more accessible by expanding our bachelor’s degree programming at Río Hondo College.”
California community college students can complete a bachelor’s degree for around $10,500, which is “less than half the tuition at even the most affordable public universities,” according to California Community Colleges.
RHC’s newest bachelor’s degree will be focused on EDI, including grid, turntable and other gesture controllers, providing students with training, collaboration opportunities and both live and recording studio performance experience on computer controller instruments in solo, small and large group settings.
“Students will be able to train for a career in hip-hop and pop music production at Río Hondo College and work on our state-of-the-art music technology equipment for a fraction of the price," said Dr. George Wheeler.
EDI graduates will have access to a range of relevant career pathways, including music producers, sound designers, live performers, and audio technicians, with annual salaries ranging from $32,947 to $239,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in the fields of music production, performance and sound engineering now through 2033.
RHC launched its first bachelor program in 2016 after being selected as one of 15 California community colleges to develop a baccalaureate program in a career technical field, made possible by Senate Bill 850, which allowed a limited number of community colleges to create such programs.
The California Legislature extended the statewide baccalaureate degree pilot program for California Community Colleges indefinitely with the approval of Assembly Bill No. 927 in October 2021.
“Río Hondo College is always looking to provide its students with dynamic, equitable education opportunities and this new program helps us do just that,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores. “This new bachelor’s program provides a cost-effective route for students to secure a bachelor’s degree in a rewarding career in a growing industry.”
The application process opens in January 2025. Those interested are encouraged to apply. To learn more about RHC, visit www.riohondo.edu.
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RELEASE DATE: November 12, 2024
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