Georgia collegestudents could soon have a new optionwhen it comes to earning a bachelor'sdegree.
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has changed its guidelines to allow certain bachelor's programs to require 90 credit hours instead of the traditional 120.
That could allow qualifying students to finish some degrees in about three years.
Not every degree is becoming a 3-year degree
The change does not mean Georgia is turning every bachelor's degree into a three-year program.
The new option applies to certain Bachelor of Applied Science programs, which are designed with workforce needs in mind.
The programs are intended to help prepare students for skilled jobs where employers are looking for workers with specific training and education.
What does 90 credit hours actually mean?
Traditionally, bachelor's degrees at Georgia's
public universities have required 120 credit hours.
Under the new guidelines, certain programs can be structured around 90 credit hours.
For students who enroll in an eligible program and follow its requirements, that could mean completing a bachelor's degree in roughly three years instead of four.
Exactly how quickly a student finishes will still depend on the individual program and course schedule.
Why Georgia is making the change
The new degree structure is tied to workforce demand.
The Bachelor of Applied Science programs are intended to give students a pathway into fields where Georgia needs skilled workers.
Rather than changing the requirements for every college major, the system is allowing certain programs to use a shorter structure.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Want to finish college faster? Georgia approves 3-year degree option
