Richmond - The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and representatives from Virginia’s colleges and universities are joining an effort to create a model for 90-credit undergraduate degrees that can be completed in three years.
SCHEV and several Virginia public and private universities are joining representatives from Ohio higher education to work with Jobs for the Future, Arnold Ventures, Strada Education Foundation, the American Association of Colleges and Universities and Ithaka S+R on the “Scaling College in 3” initiative.
“Virginia’s higher education institutions continue to lead the way in innovation, demonstrating a statewide commitment to ensuring higher education delivers on its value proposition to students and families,” said Scott Fleming, SCHEV’s executive director. “Colleges and universities throughout the country are already offering three-year degrees, but there is no national model. This effort will create new pathways for students to pursue their life and career goals while ensuring a rigorous education experience.”
SCHEV staff and representatives from Virginia and Ohio higher ed institutions, including faculty and administrators, will meet over the next year with national experts to discuss policy, accreditation, curriculum and program design considerations. The goal is for participating institutions to propose two 90-credit degree programs by spring 2028.
“With new approaches to postsecondary education, where appropriate, we hope to develop pathways that are rigorous, relevant and responsive to today’s students and the workforce,” said Fleming.
This effort ties into the Commonwealth’s strategic plan for higher education, “Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education,” by better aligning higher education with student and employer needs and increasing affordability.
