A proposal to allow bachelor’s degrees requiring 90 credit hours instead of 120 is drawing attention following the Florida Board of Governors’ March meeting.

While the BOG meeting covered a wide range of topics, including presidential searches and artificial intelligence in higher education, the possibility of reduced credit-hour degrees has also emerged as a prominent discussion for Florida’s universities.

State requirements and next steps

Currently, Florida requires 120 credit hours for a bachelor’s degree unless the Board of Governors grants an exception. 

However, out-of-state institutions have already begun offering programs with fewer requirements, prompting the Florida BOG to explore whether similar programs could be offered.

​During the March meeting, Dr. Lynn Nelson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Innovation, gave an overview of what the board should consider if the Florida State University System decides to offer bachelor’s degrees with fewer credit hours.

​“Following the meeting, board staff will plan to work with universities on establishing criteria and a process for programs with fewer than 120 credit hours,” said Nelson. “This will be included in a board regulation, which we plan to present to the board in June. If approved, universities would be able to submit program proposals for consideration in the fall.”

What it could mean for UNF students

UNF has something similar to a reduced credit hour degree, which is the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree pathway. This path allows students to enroll in up to 12 hours of graduate coursework that will count towards both their graduate and baccalaureate degrees.

During the March BOG meeting, UNF Interim President Angela ​Falconetti said that UNF is exploring bachelor’s degrees with fewer credit hours, with a focus on meeting workforce needs.

One UNF student, senior Lacie North, said she thinks reduced credit hour degrees could change a lot of things for students after graduation.

“How would these [90-credit-hour] degrees compare to a 120-hour degree when it comes to resumes for jobs and grad school applications? I think it completely changes the value of a degree,” said North.

Another student, psychology major Morgan Minardi, said reduced credit hour degrees may be affordable, but could have downsides.

“I’m sure it’s a great, affordable option, but I think it’s hard to tell if a student getting a reduced credit hour degree will come away with as much learned as someone who has an extra year of coursework,” Minardi said.

Reduced credit hour degrees across the U.S.

​Nationally, multiple other institutions offer reduced credit hour degrees, mainly for workforce-focused and technical fields, rather than traditional liberal arts. 

Institutions like Northern Arizona University and Utah Valley University are offering reduced credit hour degrees in engineering technology, hospitality business administration and emergency services.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is responsible for accrediting the majority of reduced credit-hour bachelor’s degrees across the nation. The HLC is currently in the process of becoming UNF’s new accrediting body.

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