Higher Education

Oklahoma approves three-year bachelor’s degrees at three public universities

September 8, 2026

Ray Carter

At the group’s Sept. 3 meeting, members of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved requests from three Oklahoma universities to provide four reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees that can be completed with 90 to 103 hours of credit, rather than the standard 120 hours.

The Regents’ decision comes in response to directives from Gov. Kevin Stitt and the passage of a new law encouraging three-year college degrees.

“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.”

“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,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage.

Gov. Kevin Stitt praised the Regents’ action.

“A college degree doesn’t have to take four years just because it always has,” Stitt wrote in a post on X. “Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order directing the State Regents to explore 90-hour bachelor’s degrees. Today, that work is becoming reality. Congratulations to the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and Rogers State University for leading the way and embracing a new approach to higher education. Thank you for helping us challenge the status quo and find better ways to serve Oklahoma students.”

Business officials also hailed the creation of three-year degree programs.

“The Oklahoma State Regents and our colleges and universities deserve credit for taking an innovative approach to meeting the needs of today’s students and economy,” said Adam Maxey, vice president of government affairs for The State Chamber of Oklahoma. “These new 90-hour bachelor’s programs offer a high-quality education that will help students earn a valuable credential faster and enter high-demand careers sooner. This is the kind of forward-thinking leadership that is helping Oklahoma meet our workforce needs.”

In February, Stitt signed an executive order that directed state college officials to explore the creation of a 90-credit-hour pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

The governor noted that universities in several other states are already offering 90-hour programs, including Massachusetts, Maine, Indiana, and Utah.

Lawmakers then embedded that initiative into state law.

House Bill 3315, by state Rep. Ryan Eaves and state Sen. Julie Daniels, required the State Regents for Higher Education to study the feasibility of implementing a three-year, or 90-credit-hour, bachelor’s degree.

The three schools offering three-year degrees include the University of Oklahoma, which will offer a three-year Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work; Oklahoma State University, which will offer a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence and a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Essentials and Applications; and Rogers State University, which will offer a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development.

The College-in-3 exchange shows that around 60 colleges and universities have either launched three-year bachelor’s programs, are in the planning stages to launch three-year programs, or are considering that shift.