Myth-Busting: Degree in Three and Other Accelerated Credentials

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) encourages and celebrates innovation for our institutions.  “Reduced Credit” bachelor’s degrees, or the “Degree in Three,” have garnered media attention and have become an increasingly attractive option for students and institutions.  We would like to bring to your attention how our Commission’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation, as well as policies and procedures, demonstrate long-held support for three-year degrees, which do not require our prior approval. 

While other institutional accreditors, systems, and states may have prescriptive requirements for different credential levels, the Commission does not and has not set specific thresholds for degree program lengths. The Commission’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation speak to program length generally. For example, as noted in Standard III, the Commission requires institutions to demonstrate that student learning experiences are characterized by rigor and coherence and that degree programs are assigned a reasonable approximate number of credit hours (or other value) for the amount of work completed by a student. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, however, does not require 120 credit hours for a bachelor’s degree like others may. 

The Commission’s Standard III requires sufficient course content and program length as appropriate to the objectives of the degree or other credential. The Commission’s Credit Hour Policy and Procedures are also relevant: 

The institution shall demonstrate that educational programs are of sufficient content, depth, and program length appropriate to the objectives of the degree or credential. The institution’s methodology for assignment and award of credit hours shall conform to commonly accepted practices in higher education and be consistent with applicable laws and regulations wherein the institution operates. 

Institutions should be aware that system or state regulations often speak to requirements for degree offerings. As stated in Standard II, the Commission requires institutions to comply with any applicable government laws and regulations. Standard VI also speaks to the requirement that institutions demonstrate compliance with their program responsibilities under existing federal title IV and other state laws and regulations. The Commission also expects institutions to uphold their own policies and procedures related to degree options and required credit hours.  

As institutions innovate to offer students greater flexibility and more affordable program options, know that we can serve as a resource to help determine if certain activities meet our standards or require approval. Institutional members can outreach to their assigned Commission Staff Liaison with any questions; however, Degree in Three programs do not require Commission approval through substantive change unless another category of substantive change is identified.