Program Length
Institutions are required to report the minimum number of credits, exclusive of physical education activity/basic health or orientation courses, a student is required to complete in order to graduate from any degree or certificate program the institution offers. This information is listed in the Catalog of Authorized Academic Programs. Note that there may be certain concentrations/pathways that require completion of additional credit beyond what is listed in the database.
In accordance with Board Policy 3.8.1 and Academic and Student Affairs Handbook Section 2.3.1, the number of credit hours, exclusive of physical education activity/basic health or orientation courses, required for each type of degree are listed below:
- Associate and Nexus degrees: 60 credit hours (Allied Health/Nursing career associate programs can be 60 - 70 credit hours)
- Bachelor's degrees: 120 credit hours
- Master's degrees: 30 - 36 credit hours
- Doctoral and Education Specialist degrees: No set thresholds
Board Policy 3.8.1 states that exceptions can be made with approval by the USO Chief Academic Officer. Such exceptions can be made at the time of degree creation or through program modification. In either instance, the institution must submit a narrative justifying the request. The Academic and Student Affairs Handbook Section 2.3.5 provides guiding questions for institutions to consider in developing their justifications. Any programs approved for waivers should periodically review the program length to see if any disciplinary requirements, workforce needs, or curriculum/pedagogical innovations have occurred that may allow the program length to meet or move closer to meeting the thresholds listed above. Such a review should minimally occur as part of the comprehensive program review process outlined in Academic and Student Affairs Handbook Section 2.3.6.
