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SALT LAKE CITY — A new degree program being developed across Utah System of Higher Education institutions would allow students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in just three years.
The Bachelor of Applied Studies degree, approved during the Utah Board of Higher Education's meeting last week, would have a minimum completion requirement of 90 credits. This differs from the current standard of 120 credits needed for existing four-year bachelor's degrees.
The System of Higher Education said the hope for this program is to provide students with more options and faster pathways into careers.
"This exciting change in policy opens the door to innovation on our campuses and allows each institution to develop proposals for three-year bachelor's degree programs," said Aaron Skonnard, with the Utah Board of Higher Education, in a statement. "We want to be at the forefront of new approaches in higher education that accelerate outcomes for students while better meeting the needs of our workforce."
Any new programs within the Bachelor of Applied Studies would require national accreditation and would be subject to the program-approval process of the Board of Higher Education "to ensure programs are aligned with the established mission and roles for each USHE institution before being made available to students," according to system officials.
Additionally, the areas of study for the new program would be limited in number and tied to specific industry needs, helping supply Utah and the nation with an incoming workforce in areas that need it the most.
"No matter the length of the program, the board emphasized the necessity to ensure that certificates or degrees offered at USHE institutions meet the essential learning outcomes required, provide value for students and are recognized and accepted by employers," the System of Higher Education said in a release.
While this is a novel development for public institutions, some private schools already offer shortened degree programs.
In Sept. 2023, an accreditor approved seven shortened degrees to be offered next by BYU-Idaho and Ensign College through BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
BYU-Idaho offers five such degrees — applied business management, family and human services, software development, applied health and professional studies; while Ensign College offers two — communications and information technology.
The degrees require 90 to 96 credit hours for completion.
