The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education is reviewing a proposal that would permit colleges and universities in the state to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees, reducing the standard requirement of 120 credits for graduation. This initiative aims to create a more efficient and cost-effective pathway for students pursuing their degrees. However, concerns regarding potential disadvantages of such programs were raised during a recent board meeting.
Understanding Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
Typically, a bachelor’s degree is attained after completing 120 credits over the course of four years, whereas an associate’s degree requires 60 credits over two years. The proposed three-year programs, which some institutions are beginning to adopt nationwide, would involve fewer than 120 credits, allowing students to earn the same degrees as their four-year counterparts while managing a lighter course load.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
Historically, options for three-year degree completion have been available for students with strong preparation from advanced high school courses or those willing to take additional classes during summer terms. Earlier this year, Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island announced the launch of an in-person three-year bachelor’s program, set to begin next fall.
In this program, students will need to complete between 90 and 96 credit hours while adhering to a standard course load throughout the academic year. Currently, the accelerated degree pathway is available in select fields such as computer science, criminal justice, graphic design, and hospitality management.
Approval from Accreditation Bodies
The New England Commission of Higher Education, which oversees the accreditation of most colleges in the region, has recently approved Merrimack College in North Andover and New England College in New Hampshire to develop their own three-year degree offerings. Merrimack College is focusing on a pilot initiative featuring three to five non-licensure majors—including business, health science, physics, and liberal arts—requiring a total of 90 credits. This effort is designed to attract lower-income, high-achieving students interested in pursuing graduate studies after completing their undergraduate education.
Regulatory Considerations and Board Opinions
During the board meeting, Dena Papanikolaou, chief legal counsel at the Department of Higher Education, noted that changes to state regulations might be required to support the implementation of these initiatives. Preliminary discussions are ongoing, with further considerations expected in a special session dedicated to three-year degree pathways.
Board members expressed diverse opinions on the proposal. Alex Cortez raised concerns about the potential compromises associated with condensing a four-year program into three years, while Danielle Allen questioned the justification for classifying these degrees as bachelor’s degrees. In contrast, board member Judy Pagliuca highlighted the necessity of preserving Massachusetts’ competitive position in the higher education landscape and addressing workforce needs.
Growing Interest in Three-Year Degrees
The interest in three-year bachelor’s degrees is increasing across the country as a practical and economical alternative for students in certain academic areas. For example, the Utah Board of Higher Education has launched a new Bachelor of Applied Studies program that requires only 90 credits, and Indiana’s recent legislative measures require public colleges to assess the feasibility of offering degrees suitable for completion within three years.
Next Steps for the Board
The board’s discussions ended with a commitment to further explore the topic in future meetings.
Source: Cape Cod Times.