State Regents approve four reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees
New programs at OU, OSU, and Rogers State University will require between 90 and 103 credit hours, compared with the traditional minimum of 120.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved four reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs designed to move students into high-demand careers faster and at a lower cost.
The approved programs include a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work at the University of Oklahoma; Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Essentials and Applications at Oklahoma State University; and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development at Rogers State University.
The programs will require between 90 and 103 credit hours. Traditional bachelor’s degrees generally require at least 120 hours.
“The Oklahoma State Regents and our colleges and universities deserve credit for taking an innovative approach to meeting the needs of today’s students and economy,” said Adam Maxey, vice president of government affairs for The State Chamber of Oklahoma. “These new 90-hour bachelor’s programs offer a high-quality education that will help students earn a valuable credential faster and enter high-demand careers sooner.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking leadership that is helping Oklahoma meet our workforce needs.”
The State Regents established a framework for reduced-credit degrees in May. Institutions seeking approval must demonstrate workforce and student demand, identify the industry or regional workforce gap addressed by the program, and maintain standards for learning outcomes, accreditation, and professional licensing.
The framework followed a feasibility study ordered by Gov. Kevin Stitt. The State Regents provided the study to state leaders in April under legislation authored by Rep. Ryan Eaves and Sen. Julie Daniels.
