Universities Moving Toward 3-Year Degrees?

"Launched in January, the program, known as 'Thrive in 3,' allows students to earn their degree in as few as three years, with students able to graduate with 95 credits instead of the traditional 120 credits. Mount Mary, a private women's university in Milwaukee, offers the three-year degree program for cybersecurity, digital marketing and social work."

"Last week, the Board of Regents Education Committee unanimously approved revising a policy that would allow campuses to offer 90-credit degrees. The approval on March 5 did not yet establish three-year degrees. That process would take several months, said Johannes Britz, Universities of Wisconsin senior vice president of academic affairs."

"State Superintendent Jill Underly, who serves on the Regents' Education Committee, said she understands the logic of offering three-year degrees, but she doesn't want to harm the credibility of the UW System. 'If we can put some guardrails in place, I think that is probably the best way forward,' Underly said."

Mount Mary University in Milwaukee introduced 'Thrive in 3,' a three-year bachelor's degree program in January 2024, becoming Wisconsin's first college to offer reduced-credit degrees. Students can earn degrees with 95 credits instead of the traditional 120 in cybersecurity, digital marketing, and social work. The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Education Committee unanimously approved revising policy to allow 90-credit degrees, though implementation would take several months. New programs require Board of Regents approval, while existing programs need accreditation body approval from the Higher Learning Commission. State Superintendent Jill Underly expressed support while emphasizing the need for guardrails to protect degree credibility.

Read at Urban Milwaukee