Reduced Credit Degrees

At its June meeting, the Board of Regents will consider approval of a reduced credit bachelor’s degree type at all three Regent universities. If approved, the universities will develop 90-95 hour Bachelor of Applied Professional Studies (BAPS) degree programs.

House File 440 (2025) included language that required the development of 3-year degree programs. While a number of accelerated programs that can be completed in 3 years already exist, this will add a reduced credit bachelor’s degree option. With the proposed BAPS degree, Iowa’s Regent universities would be in full compliance with that language and offer a degree path tailored to individuals seeking to reskill or upskill that includes transfer pathways right from the start. 

Largely, the reduced credit pathway is designed to prepare students with competencies desired by employers and develop skills in select areas of study. The BAPS degrees will help students enter the workforce more quickly and will be delivered through flexible modalities. Fitting coursework around jobs and families is vital for non-tradition and working students. 

If approved, the universities aim to have the degree paths ready for Board approval during the 2026-27 academic year.