North Dakota Approves Scaled Back Reduced-Credit Degree Program

(Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota colleges can develop reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs, but with several added limitations than previous proposals.

The State Board of Higher Education  approved the development of pilot programs for bachelor’s degrees requiring as few as 90 credits, rather than the typical 120 credits.

The new version of the policy limits reduced-credit programs to bachelor of applied science degrees, which typically focus on career and technical education. North Dakota University System Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson, who made the presentation to the board, said those degrees are geared to students looking to enter the workforce, rather than continuing on to graduate school.

Board member Curtis Biller, who made the motion to approve the policy change, said the colleges would still require the core courses needed for the degree.