Massachusetts pushes for three-year bachelor's degrees to shake up higher education

In Massachusetts, a significant educational reform is under consideration. The Board of Higher Education is examining the possibility of allowing colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in three years rather than the traditional four. Currently, students are mandated to complete 120 credits to earn their degrees. However, Merrimack College has been authorized to develop a pilot program that would enable students to earn a 90-credit bachelor's degree in select majors that do not require licensing, such as business, health science, physics, and liberal arts. This initiative aims to address pressing issues related to student retention and rising costs of higher education. The push for a three-year degree program comes against the backdrop of escalating college expenses and the burden of student debt that many graduates carry. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler emphasized the need to thoroughly evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a significant shift. He noted that while some states have successfully implemented three-year degree frameworks, it is essential to assess how these changes might affect student readiness and educational outcomes post-graduation. Merrimack College has reported a positive response from their students, highlighting that many are excited about the prospect of completing their degrees more quickly and economically. The college believes that this program could be a transformative opportunity to reconsider curriculum structures and make college more accessible by reducing financial burdens. Despite the enthusiasm, there are concerns among some members of the Board of Higher Education regarding what might be sacrificed in a shortened program. Questions arise about whether students would miss out on valuable electives, general education courses, or essential learning experiences typically gained during a fourth year of study. As the administration moves forward with researching this initiative, its ultimate goal will be to ensure that students receive a comprehensive education without compromising quality or preparatory experiences.