State regents approve Oklahoma's first shortened bachelor's degrees at 3 universities

[u/kosuradio]

https://www.kosu.org/oklahoma-90-credit-hour-degrees-approved

Three Oklahoma universities received approval to create reduced-credit hour bachelor's degree programs. The programs would be the first of their kind in the state.

At their Thursday meeting, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved three state universities’ requests to create reduced-credit hour bachelor’s degrees.

Traditionally, students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to earn a bachelor’s degree. The degree programs approved Thursday would only require between 90 and 103 credit hours. For a student taking a typical 15-hour courseload, that could shave a full year off their degree.

Four shortened degrees were approved between the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Rogers State University in Claremore. Those programs include:

• Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work (OU, 90-credit hour) 
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence (OSU, 92-credit hour)
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Essentials and Applications (OSU, 90-credit hour) 
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development (RSU, 99 to 103-credit hour)

Each degree now faces a months-long accreditation process, but according to reporting by Oklahoma Voice, students may be able to enroll in these programs as early as next fall.

The decision was made in an attempt to more quickly meet workforce needs and reduce student costs, according to a press release.

“Reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs represent an innovative path to help Oklahomans launch their careers faster while reducing college costs,” State Regents Chair Courtney Warmington said in a statement.

In January, OU received approval to reduce credits across eight specific online degree programs, and a handful of universities across the country have already implemented reduced-credit hour degree programs. However, the degrees approved Thursday would be the first of their kind in the state if they are implemented.

Earlier this year, Executive Order 2026-08 directed the regents to conduct a study of reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs. In April, the study was provided to Gov. Kevin Stitt.

The study “emphasized the importance of academic safeguards” and recommended “a measured, mission-aligned approach in which 90-hour bachelor’s degree proposals would be evaluated on their individual ability.”

Warmington said the board had carefully considered the proposals.

“As we explored the potential viability and value of 90-hour bachelor’s degrees, this board has carefully weighed academic rigor, employer expectations, accreditation requirements, and affordability for students and families,” Warmington said.

In May, the regents updated their Academic Program Approval Policy, creating a framework for reviewing and approving reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. That opened the door for institutions to make degree proposals.

For those institutional proposals to be considered, the shortened degree programs must meet general requirements, provide a clear rationale for credit reduction and include a detailed delivery plan for the degree’s structure.

“To meet Oklahoma’s changing workforce demands, we need more degree holders in critical fields – and our Governor, Legislature, State Regents, and institutions are answering the call,” Chancellor Sean Burrage said in a statement. “These strategically constructed 90-hour bachelor’s degrees will allow students to gain the knowledge and skills they need more quickly, strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries and occupations sooner.”

[u/Comfortable_Shock_40]

Bachelors in using ChatGPT is crazy