September 12, 2026 Issue, Page 8 of 12

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NEWS 8• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 The Elk City News State Regents Approve 90-Hour Bachelor’s Degrees at Three Public Universities At today’s meeting, the Oklaho- Workforce Development For State Regents’ consideration, industry, state, or regional work- strengthening the talent pipeline work, particularly in applied, work- ma State Regents for Higher Ed- “Reduced-credit bachelor’s de- institutional proposals to offer 90- force gap; and define student and for high-demand industries and force-aligned disciplines. The study ucation approved requests from gree programs represent an inno- hour bachelor’s degrees must meet employer demand and post-grad- occupations sooner.” emphasized the importance of three state system institutions to vative path to help Oklahomans not only general requirements for uation employment opportunities, Earlier this year, Executive Or- academic safeguards, institutional offer four reduced-credit bachelor’s launch their careers faster while program approval outlined in the including implications for profes- der 2026-08 directed the State Re- and accreditor approval processes, degrees, which require between 90 reducing college costs,” said State policy, including alignment with sional licensure and applicability to gents to conduct a feasibility study advising requirements, and careful and 103 credit hours to complete. A Regents’ Chair Courtney Warm- institutional function and accred- graduate degree programs. of reduced-credit bachelor’s degree consideration of transfer implica- traditional baccalaureate requires a ington. “As we explored the poten- itation, established program en- “To meet Oklahoma’s changing programs. The study, which was tions, recommending a measured, minimum of 120 credit hours. tial viability and value of 90-hour rollment and graduation targets, workforce demands, we need more presented to the State Regents at mission-aligned approach in which University of Oklahoma bachelor’s degrees, this board has and demonstrated workforce and degree holders in critical fields – their March 26 meeting, examined 90-hour bachelor’s degree propos- Bachelor of Applied Studies in carefully weighed academic rigor, student demand, but also several and our Governor, Legislature, accreditation standards, workforce als would be evaluated on their in- Social Work employer expectations, accredita- specialized criteria. Among other State Regents, and institutions are alignment, affordability, transfer- dividual viability. Oklahoma State University tion requirements, and affordabili- requirements, proposals for 90- answering the call,” said Chan- ability, and other policy consider- In accordance with HB 3315, Bachelor of Applied Science in ty for students and families.” hour bachelor’s degrees must out- cellor Sean Burrage. “Oklahoma ations. which was authored by Rep. Ryan Artificial Intelligence In May 2026, the State Regents line a clear rationale and delivery is emerging as a national leader The feasibility study concluded Eaves and Sen. Julie Daniels and Bachelor of Applied Science in approved updates to the Academ- plan for a reduced-credit degree in higher education innovation. that reduced-credit bachelor’s de- signed by the Governor, the State Business Essentials and Applica- ic Program Approval Policy that structure, including learning out- These strategically constructed 90- gree programs could potentially be Regents provided the feasibility tions created a framework for the re- comes, assessment methods, and hour bachelor’s degrees will allow implemented within Oklahoma’s study to Gov. Stitt, Speaker Kyle Rogers State University view and potential approval of re- instructional design; demonstrate students to gain the knowledge public higher education system un- Hilbert, and Senate Pro Tem Lon- Bachelor of Applied Science in duced-credit bachelor’s degrees. the program addresses a critical and skills they need more quickly, der a limited and structured frame- nie Paxton in April. Rodeo Parade PHOTOS BY ALEX ALVAREZ