CSU may soon offer degrees that take just 3 years to finish. Work experience counts too

California State University trustees unanimously approved a policy allowing campuses to offer three new three-year bachelor’s degrees to address declining enrollment and attract adult learners. The programs—Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Professional Studies, and Bachelor of Applied Studies—target aspiring teachers, employees seeking managerial roles, and those with vocational training, respectively. Each requires at least 90 units, typically completed in three years, compared to the standard 120-unit four-year degree. The policy permits campuses to design these degrees flexibly, with some offering accelerated pathways to master’s programs. Students transferring from community colleges could earn a bachelor’s in one year instead of two, while adults with work experience may convert job skills into completed units. The changes aim to reduce degree completion time and provide faster access to economic mobility, according to Nathan Evans, CSU associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. Enrollment declines at some CSU campuses—including double-digit drops at East Bay and Dominguez Hills between 2020 and 2025—have driven the need for innovative programs. The new degrees also compete with for-profit and online colleges offering quicker but pricier alternatives. Evans noted the programs could appeal to workers in strained fields, such as Hollywood set crews. CSU’s move follows examples from other universities, including Cornell, the University of Kansas, and New Mexico State, which already offer similar accelerated degrees. The policy does not mandate campuses to adopt the new programs but encourages flexibility in addressing financial and enrollment challenges. Chancellor’s office officials emphasized the degrees as a way to plug tuition revenue gaps while expanding access to higher education.