At today’s meeting, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved requests from three state system institutions to offer four reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees, which require between 90 and 103 credit hours to complete. A traditional baccalaureate requires a minimum of 120 credit hours.
University of Oklahoma
- Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work
Oklahoma State University
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Essentials and Applications
Rogers State University
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development
“Reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs represent an innovative path to help Oklahomans launch their careers faster while reducing college costs,” said State Regents’ Chair Courtney Warmington. “As we explored the potential viability and value of 90-hour bachelor’s degrees, this board has carefully weighed academic rigor, employer expectations, accreditation requirements, and affordability for students and families.”
In May 2026, the State Regents approved updates to the Academic Program Approval Policy that created a framework for the review and potential approval of reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees.
For State Regents’ consideration, institutional proposals to offer 90-hour bachelor’s degrees must meet not only general requirements for program approval outlined in the policy, including alignment with institutional function and accreditation, established program enrollment and graduation targets, and demonstrated workforce and student demand, but also several specialized criteria. Among other requirements, proposals for 90-hour bachelor’s degrees must outline a clear rationale and delivery plan for a reduced-credit degree structure, including learning outcomes, assessment methods, and instructional design; demonstrate the program addresses a critical industry, state, or regional workforce gap; and define student and employer demand and post-graduation employment opportunities, including implications for professional licensure and applicability to graduate degree programs.
“To meet Oklahoma’s changing workforce demands, we need more degree holders in critical fields – and our Governor, Legislature, State Regents, and institutions are answering the call,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “Oklahoma is emerging as a national leader in higher education innovation. These strategically constructed 90-hour bachelor’s degrees will allow students to gain the knowledge and skills they need more quickly, strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries and occupations sooner.”
Earlier this year, Executive Order 2026-08 directed the State Regents to conduct a feasibility study of reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs. The study, which was presented to the State Regents at their March 26 meeting, examined accreditation standards, workforce alignment, affordability, transferability, and other policy considerations.
The feasibility study concluded that reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs could potentially be implemented within Oklahoma’s public higher education system under a limited and structured framework, particularly in applied, workforce-aligned disciplines. The study emphasized the importance of academic safeguards, institutional and accreditor approval processes, advising requirements, and careful consideration of transfer implications, recommending a measured, mission-aligned approach in which 90-hour bachelor’s degree proposals would be evaluated on their individual viability.
In accordance with HB 3315, which was authored by Rep. Ryan Eaves and Sen. Julie Daniels and signed by the Governor, the State Regents provided the feasibility study to Gov. Stitt, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, and Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton in April.