Program approved by Ohio legislature shortens time to graduation for students

Kent State University’s accelerated degree programs will
allow students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in three
years, allowing them to save time and money, and get a head
start on their careers.

Kent State University has created a selection of accelerated degree programs that will allow students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in three years. The programs are in line with a three-year degree program proposed by Gov. John Kasich and adopted by the Ohio legislature. The state requires that public universities in Ohio transition 10 percent of their baccalaureate degree programs to three-year degree options in 2012, and expand that number to 60 percent by 2014.

“This is part of Governor Kasich’s objective to make the three-year degree option available for more students across the state,” says Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Jim Petro. “This allows students to complete a four-year degree in less time and for less money, while still fully preparing them for the work force.”

Kent State has met the 2012 goal set by the Board of Regents and the legislature, and now offers three-year degree options for 10 percent – or roughly 20 – of its programs. Additional programs will be developed to meet the 60 percent goal by fall 2014.

“We are glad to see that Kent State is embracing the three-year degree program and is already in line with the state’s goals for this year,” Petro says.

“We want to set our students on a path to a degree that suits their goals and that is why we have instituted programs that guide them toward early graduation,” says Stephane Booth, D.A., associate provost for Kent State’s Office of Quality Initiatives and Curriculum. “With Kent State’s three-year degree option, our students not only save money, but also have the opportunity to graduate early and get a head start on their careers.”

Accelerated degree programs still require the same number of credit hours as traditional degree programs. High school students can take advantage of accelerated programs through early higher education options such as the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP) that allows high school students to enroll in college courses while still attending high school; Advanced Placement courses, which equate to undergraduate classes; the College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP); and Career-Technical Transfer programs—skills-based classes that transfer to college credits after high school graduation.

“High school students can work with their guidance counselors or a Kent State academic advisor to explore the opportunities for a three-year degree program at Kent State University,” Booth says.

Kent State’s accelerated degree program is currently available for accounting; aeronautical studies; applied engineering – manufacturing systems; architectural studies; business management; communication studies – interpersonal communication; computer information systems; economics; electronic media production; entrepreneurship; fashion merchandising; finance; history; managerial marketing; marketing; physical education – human movement studies; and theatre studies.

For more information about Kent State University’s three-year degree programs, visit http://solutions.kent.edu/gps/roadmap/ProgramResults.aspx?lvl=b&3yr=1.