Kansas Board of Regents discusses 'Reduced Credit Bachelor's Degree' option for Kansas State University
TOPEKA (KSNT) — Kansas State University is looking to implement a new program that would allow students to earn a bachelor's degree with only 90 credit hours instead of the usual 120.
During Thursday's Board of Regents meeting, state officials discussed a new college degree option that would be the first in the state. It's called a "Reduced Credit Bachelor's Degree."
Nationwide, about 60 colleges have already implemented reduced credit programs. Those in support of them say, they are a less expensive option that could also boost overall enrollment numbers.
However, the Board of Regents current policy conflicts with this new program. According to the policy, students in Kansas cannot receive a bachelor's degree with fewer than 120 credit hours.
Therefore, in order to add a reduced credit degree option, the board would have to change it's policy.
Some members of the board were skeptical about the program, worrying that it could cause some complications for employers. We spoke with Blake Benson, the Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. He tells us, the board needs much more time to consider this new program.
"We've just got to be careful about protecting the brand, protecting the image, protecting the reputation that our institutions have created through the degrees that they offer," said Benson. "It's going to take a conversation, it's going to take a little bit of time to make sure we're doing it correctly, but I think you heard today that we're all glad that we are at least having that conversation and beginning that journey."
If approved, Kansas State University would give this reduced credit option to students who are pursuing an uncrewed aircraft system bachelor's degree.
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