A small number of colleges is experimenting with three-year baccalaureate programs as an alternative to traditional four-year degrees amid rising tuition and declining enrollment.
The proposals — which would reduce coursework requirements and offer year-round classes without summer breaks — have gained steam at state university branch campuses and some liberal arts schools. They have seen declining applications and rising costs since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered campuses in March 2020.
“We can’t say that the standard-length U.S. model of four years is working for everyone right now,” UMN Rochester Chancellor Lori Carrell, who co-led the meeting, told The Washington Times. “Currently, more than 25% of those who start college do not finish within four years, and of course, many do not finish at all.”
Unlike accelerated programs that cram the standard 120 credit hours for a bachelor’s degree into three years, pilot schools have proposed slashing required coursework to between 90 and 100 credits. To do that in three years, the schools delete swaths of elective and core requirements to focus more on the classes their students and potential employers deem essential.
“A principal lesson Lori Carrell and I have learned from our ‘College-in-3’ pilots is that only institutions that are financially strong with solid academic reputations are likely to have three-year degree programs that succeed,” Mr. Zemsky said in an email. Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota Morris is in the “discovery phase” of a degree option that would allow students to complete any of the school’s 34 liberal arts and sciences majors in three years.
Administrators at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, one of 10 schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, decided to explore a three-year program due to faculty retiring and losing their jobs in financial cuts. They say their proposal could save students 25% of degree expenses.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Veterans burned by for profit colleges fight for their lost GI Bill benefitsMore than a million students who attended for-profits have had their loans forgiven. But veterans who used their GI Bill benefits have no recourse.
Consulte Mais informação »
Taylor: Questionable philanthropy — Why $35M gift to Alamo Colleges means more than $300M to HarvardBillionaire Ken Griffin’s $300 million gift for Harvard University makes the bottom of Michael Taylor’s list for making the world a better place through higher education philanthropy.
Consulte Mais informação »
Junior doctors' strike: Medical chiefs call on third party to broker talksAcademy of Medical Royal Colleges raises concerns over future impact on patients and NHS in England.
Consulte Mais informação »
Bill that would ban diversity programs in public universities passed by Texas SenateThe Texas Senate approved a bill that would ban diversity programs at public colleges and universities.
Consulte Mais informação »
Rutgers' tentative accord with faculty includes protections against caste biasIn addition to tentative agreements on pay and job security, Rutgers University faculty union leaders secured an unusual safeguard in new contract negotiations: protections against caste discrimination.
Consulte Mais informação »
Attention: Montgomery High's Jose Mendoza is a heck of a pitcherThis big senior can throw, but somehow colleges and scouts aren't stepping up to the plate
Consulte Mais informação »