OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, applauded the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and state higher education leaders following the approval of new three-year bachelor's degree programs at three public universities.

"I'm excited to see Oklahoma higher education moving forward with three-year degree options," Eaves said. "The State Regents and our universities recognize the need for more flexible pathways to a bachelor's degree, and they have been thoughtful about how these programs can give students another option to earn a degree and enter the workforce sooner while maintaining academic quality and accreditation standards. I appreciate Senator Daniels, the State Regents and our higher education leaders for taking this idea seriously and turning it into an opportunity for Oklahoma students." 

The State Regents on Sept. 3 approved four bachelor's degree programs at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Oklahoma State University (OSU) and Rogers State University that will require between 90 and 103 credit hours. A traditional bachelor's degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. 

Earlier this year, Eaves and Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, authored House Bill 3315, which directed the State Regents to study the feasibility of three-year, or 90-credit-hour, bachelor's degree programs. The measure was signed into law April 30.

The feasibility study examined accreditation standards, workforce alignment, affordability, transferability and other considerations related to shortened degree programs. The State Regents later established a framework for universities seeking approval of programs requiring fewer than 120 credit hours. 

Under that framework, universities must demonstrate that proposed programs meet academic and accreditation requirements, address workforce needs and consider how the degree would affect areas such as graduate education and professional licensure.

OU will offer a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work. OSU will offer Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Essentials and Applications. Rogers State will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development.