Higher Learning Commission

In response to growing interest among institutions and other higher education stakeholders in reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs (sometimes known as three-year bachelor’s degree programs), HLC is developing guidelines and a new substantive change application for member institutions interested in offering such programs. After extensive study and planning, including engagement with the U.S. Department of Education, other accreditors, and state agencies and associations, these resources will be available in early September. 

What Is a Reduced-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Program? 

HLC defines a reduced-credit degree program as a program in which the number of credit hours required to complete the program is less than the commonly accepted minimum program length specified in HLC’s Assumed Practices. Institutions offering a degree program at less than this commonly accepted minimum program length must explain and justify the variation. For a bachelor’s degree program, the commonly accepted minimum program length is 120 semester credits.  

Application and Review Process: What to Expect 

Institutions will be asked to submit the new application when planning to offer a new reduced-credit bachelor’s degree program, or when planning to offer an existing bachelor’s degree program in a new reduced-credit format. Similar to HLC’s other substantive change applications, institutions will be required to obtain any necessary state approvals prior to submitting the application. The application will be reviewed through HLC’s normal substantive change review processes.  

The guidelines will provide information for institutions and peer reviewers on evaluating reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs in the context of HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. The guidelines will apply to institutions initially seeking to offer, and then subsequently offering, a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree program. Likewise, the guidance will inform peer reviewers evaluating an application from an institution that is seeking to offer a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree program, or evaluating an institution that is offering such programs. 

Stay Tuned: Application and Guidelines Will Be Published in September 

The new application and guidelines will be published along with HLC’s other annual substantive change updates in early September. The new resources will be announced in the September Leaflet.