Oklahoma colleges and universities can propose 90-hour bachelor’s degrees

Oklahoma’s State Regents for Higher Education approved revised policies on May 29, enabling public colleges and universities to propose bachelor’s degree programs requiring as few as 90 credit hours instead of the standard 120. The decision follows a directive from Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature, which tasked the regents with exploring accelerated degree options to make higher education more affordable and combat workforce shortages. The new guidelines require institutions seeking to shorten degree programs to demonstrate a clear rationale for credit reduction, evidence of workforce demand, student and employer support, and proof that academic rigor will be maintained. Schools must also secure approval from accrediting or licensing bodies and monitor program outcomes. Elective courses—not core requirements—will be reduced to achieve the 90-hour benchmark. Two regents, including Steven Taylor, opposed the changes, citing concerns over transparency and reduced rigor. Taylor argued that 90-hour degrees should not be marketed as bachelor’s degrees and that the trend conflicts with broader efforts to increase academic demands. State Regent Chair Courtney Warmington defended the move, noting that at least 60 U.S. schools already offer similar programs and that Oklahoma is aligning with national discussions on degree acceleration. No Oklahoma institution has yet submitted a proposal for a 90-hour degree, but Warmington emphasized the regents’ proactive approach. She referenced a Georgetown University report indicating five other states are developing comparable programs. The policy change reflects broader pressure on higher education to adapt to rising costs and labor market needs while balancing concerns over degree quality and student preparedness.