Proposed programs from Weber State University, Utah Valley University mark innovative milestone
In a significant step forward in the Utah Board of Higher Education’s efforts to improve affordability and student success, the Board on July 18, 2025, applauded the first accelerated bachelor’s degree proposals from two public Utah universities since adopting a policy to allow for sub-120 credit hour programs in 2024.
The accrediting body for the state’s higher education institutions, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), had recently released a statement expressing general support for accelerated bachelor’s degrees, stating that such programs are generally permissible and institutions can submit proposals under its existing Substantive Change policy and process.
The accelerated bachelor’s programs proposed by Weber State University and Utah Valley University are pending final approval by NWCCU and still need to follow established guidelines from the accreditor. Weber State’s programs have already received approval from its Board of Trustees, while UVU’s proposal will be reviewed by its Board of Trustees in its next meeting.
Accelerated bachelor’s degrees require as few as 90 credit hours, compared to the traditional 120 credits required for most four-year programs, and are designed to increase flexibility and affordability for students while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The Board’s 2024 policy made Utah one of the first states in the nation to allow public colleges and universities to develop bachelor’s degree programs below the 120-credit-hour threshold.
“We’re thrilled to see Weber State University and Utah Valley University stepping forward with some of the first accelerated bachelor’s degrees in Utah’s public higher education system,” said Aaron Skonnard, Utah Board of Higher Education member. “The Board of Higher Education’s move to approve these accelerated degrees creates additional learning options for students and faster pathways to careers and is helping push innovation across the nation.”
The Board’s action a year ago followed a national conversation around college affordability and the time it takes students to graduate with a certificate or degree. Accelerated pathways can reduce the total cost of a degree for students and families while expanding access to high-quality programs tailored to Utah’s workforce needs.
“These new pathways are about student success,” said Weber State University President Brad Mortensen. “Providing accelerated pathways in select programs saves time and money while achieving the same learning outcomes. We want to meet students where they are and help them reach their goals more efficiently, without sacrificing the value of their education. These programs are another tool to help more Utahns graduate and thrive in our state.”
Weber State’s proposed accelerated bachelor’s degrees include Sound Production/Recording and an interdisciplinary degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, while UVU’s proposed degrees include Emergency Services Supervision, Professional Advancement and a slate of other programs, each designed with high-impact career outcomes in mind and a strong focus on learning outcomes and employer-aligned competencies.
“At UVU, we are committed to providing flexible, career-focused pathways that meet the evolving needs of our students and the workforce,” said Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez. “These proposed accelerated bachelor’s degrees reflect that commitment. By reducing time and cost to completion, we are helping more students achieve their educational goals and contribute meaningfully to Utah’s economy.”
