Overview

California State University (Cal State) is exploring the possibility of offering bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in as little as three years. This initiative aims to attract more students, particularly those who are working-age or seeking to enhance their job prospects.

The Board of Trustees has taken a significant step in this direction by voting to allow campuses to create new types of shortened bachelor’s degrees, which could also recognize work experience as credit towards degree completion.

Key details

  • The new degree offerings will not replace the traditional four-year bachelor’s degrees.
  • Campuses are not mandated to create these three-year degrees.
  • The degrees may require between 90 and 120 units for completion.
  • 90 units typically equate to a three-year completion time for students.
  • The initiative aims to reduce the time it takes for students to earn a degree.
  • It is designed to provide immediate access to economic and social mobility.
  • Students transferring from community colleges could potentially earn a bachelor’s degree in one year instead of two.
  • Adults with work experience may convert their job skills into degree credits, allowing for faster completion.
  • Some Cal State campuses are experiencing enrollment growth, while others face significant declines.
  • Ten campuses reported double-digit enrollment drops between 2020 and 2025.
  • The new degrees may target workers in industries facing shortages, such as Hollywood set workers.
  • Shorter degree programs could be paired with master’s programs to create accelerated pathways.

Context

The decision to explore shorter degree options comes as Cal State seeks to address declining enrollment at several campuses while competing with online and for-profit colleges that offer quicker, albeit more expensive, degree programs.

What happens next

As campuses consider implementing these new degree types, they will have the flexibility to determine how to structure them, potentially leading to a wider array of educational offerings for students.

What we don't know yet

It is unclear which specific campuses will adopt these new degree types and how many degrees will ultimately be offered under this initiative.