Section 66044 - Legislative findings and declarations(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (1) Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function of each public higher education sector to increase access and educational opportunity for Californians. The Master Plan has a provision that allows the California State University to offer doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the University of California and independent California colleges and universities.(2) More recently, the California State University has received legislative authority to offer independent professional doctoral degrees in areas where there is an identified workforce or accreditation need that may not be fulfilled through existing education opportunities in California.(3) Because of the need to prepare and educate increased numbers of public health leaders and administrators, the State of California is granting the California State University authority to offer the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to the University of California for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the California State University and the University of California.(b) Pursuant to subdivision (a), and notwithstanding Section 66010.4, in order to meet specific public health leadership needs in California, the California State University may award the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree. The authority to award degrees granted by this article is limited to the discipline of public health. The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree offered by the California State University shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs in public health at the University of California.Added by Stats 2022 ch 936 (SB 684),s 1, eff. 1/1/2023.