OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation by Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, to study the feasibility of three-year bachelor’s degree programs. 

House Bill 3315 passed the House with a vote of 83-10 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

The measure directs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to examine whether bachelor’s degree programs could be completed in three years, or 90 credit hours, and to report their findings to the governor and legislative leaders by July 1, 2027. 

Eaves said the proposal takes a careful approach before considering any potential changes. 

"This lets us take a real look at whether a three-year degree actually works," Eaves said. "We’ve got to make sure it holds up academically and meets accreditation standards before we go any further."

The study will evaluate potential adjustments to course requirements and credit hours, as well as consider impacts on accreditation standards and how three-year degrees would be viewed by employers and graduate programs.

The measure is not expected to have a negative fiscal impact on the state budget. 

HB3315 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.