Minnesota Office of Higher Education Updates State Academic Standards to Include Reduced‑Credit Bachelor’s Degrees

St. Paul, Minn.— The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) has released new academic standards for reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. These programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree for a minimum 90 credits, while maintaining the rigor and breadth of traditional 120-credit bachelor’s programs.

“For many people, the traditional four-year program structure can be a barrier,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “By reenvisioning what a bachelor’s degree can look like, we are removing that barrier and helping to ensure Minnesotans have the option of earning a credential. As more reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs get developed across the state, I am hopeful that we will continue closing attainment gaps and provide every Minnesotan with the skills they need to thrive.”

OHE has long used academic program standards to guide the approval of degree programs at Minnesota colleges and universities. Following the release of new reduced-credit bachelor’s degree guidelines from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in 2024, OHE convened a 2025 working group to revise state standards.  

This update to state academic program standards aligns with new reduced-credit degree guidelines released by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in September 2024. The HLC is the national organization overseeing program accreditation.

While reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs are open to all students, they were initially designed as a flexible and lower cost option for adult learners. When looking at these programs nationally, many reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees are offered part-time, ensuring adult learners can complete their credential while continuing to work.

Approval of reduced-credit programs will function the same as traditional bachelor’s degrees. Colleges and universities must submit documentation for each program to OHE. Staff will then review program framework, including faculty, curriculum, and course syllabi to ensure they are meeting requirements under state statute. Schools will also submit documentation to the HLC for approval and accreditation.

Currently, three reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees have been approved by OHE and HLC: a BA in Exercise Science and a BS in Sport Management at Concordia University, Saint Paul and a BS in Applied Psychology at St. Mary's University of Minnesota.

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