Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
The regulation permits institutions to submit pilot proposals for degree programs that deviate from traditional requirements, including the standard 120-credit threshold. While the board didn't establish specific criteria, pilot programs must respond to "significant changes in society, demographics, technology, educational research, or expectations regarding post-secondary education."
"We're creating a pathway for colleges to allow some students to graduate in three years, which will help make us more competitive with other states, lower costs, and support students and our workforce," said Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey.
The move, which has been under consideration for 18 months, reflects a broader national trend. Many universities nationwide are shifting to 90-credit-hour bachelor's programs as institutions seek to reduce costs and time to degree completion.
Board Chair Chris Gabrieli acknowledged the controversial nature of such innovation.
"I do expect there to be some controversy under some of these proposals, maybe all of them, because they all represent innovation and sometimes real boundary changing and that could be uncomfortable," he said. "I think our general view on innovation should be to neither assume all innovations are good ideas, nor to prevent campus-driven ideas—if they're high quality—from proceeding."
The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from some faculty members who worry that compressed programs could shortchange students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
