Accelerated bachelor’s degrees coming to Weber State, saving time and costs
OGDEN, Utah — This year, Weber State University will begin offering students in some disciplines a way to earn bachelor’s degrees on an accelerated timeline, within three years or less.
With recent approval from WSU’s accreditation body, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the university can now offer bachelor’s degrees that require around 90 credits versus 120 credits, which for decades has been the standard to earn a “four-year” degree.
This move makes Weber State the first public university in Utah to offer an accelerated or “sub-120 credit” bachelor’s degree.
WSU President Brad Mortensen said that targeted accelerated bachelor’s degrees are a welcome change to meet shifting needs of both students and employers — and something WSU has been exploring since at least 2022.
“As much as our students love learning at Weber State, we know they’re eager to earn that degree and transition into their careers,” Mortensen said. “Providing accelerated pathways in select programs saves time and money while achieving the same learning outcomes. This is one more innovative way Weber State is making sure college is what it should be: accessible, affordable, achievable, and uplifting.”
Starting this fall, WSU will offer a Bachelor of Applied Politics, Philosophy & Economics, which requires 90–91 credits.
This interdisciplinary degree is designed for students pursuing careers in politics, public policy, and law, with a unique focus on Utah state and local government. The program equips graduates with analytical, communication, and decision-making skills that are in high demand across public and private sectors.
Pending accreditor approval, WSU plans to offer an accelerated bachelor’s degree in sound production and recording that requires 93–94 credits. The hands-on degree builds on the existing associate’s program in sound production, meant for students looking to launch careers in audio engineering, live sound, or media production. Students interested in this program can start by signing up for classes in the associate degree this fall.
Aaron Hubbard, sound production and recording coordinator, said the program offers skills that employers are actively seeking out. Even at an accelerated pace, Hubbard said WSU students will get “the full college experience, which will help them gain entry and advancement in a growing industry.”
For now, most bachelor’s degree programs at WSU will continue with the traditional 120 credits, but Mortensen said many departments have expressed interest in offering these degrees on a quicker timeline.
Accelerated degrees could shave off one year and roughly $6,500 dollars for WSU students, without sacrificing the best of their college experience, said Leslie Durham, WSU provost.
“This is generating a lot of excitement because it reflects Weber State’s mission to expand access and support student success by meeting learners where they are and offering more flexible options,” Durham said.
She also noted that earning degrees with fewer credits won’t be at the expense of general education courses that prepare students for their careers and life after college.
Weber State’s approach to accelerated degrees is unique, said Jessica Oyler, vice president of Student Access & Success.
“Weber developed a model that’s focused heavily on internships and hands-on learning, so it’s taking those classroom concepts and really bringing them to life,” she said.
Oyler also noted that WSU had already offered several ways to earn degrees at a faster pace, including concurrent enrollment. Through courses made available in high school, 40% of students come to WSU with at least a semester’s worth of credits under their belt, saving them over $3,000.
Students can also earn credit before they step foot on campus through Prior Learning Assessments, which offer credit for things like military service, religious missions, and community service when they align with program outcomes.
Additionally, Weber State has options for accelerated master’s degrees, where a student’s senior year in a bachelor’s program overlaps with the first year of their master’s program, making it possible to earn both degrees within five years.
WSU leadership stressed that accelerated bachelor’s degrees don’t have to limit where students go after graduation, including transitioning to graduate programs.
“We’re aware of several hundred schools nationally that said they will accept these degrees,” Mortensen said. “We’re seeing more and more accelerated programs popping up across the country because universities like Weber State are taking a hard look at the future of higher education and doing what’s best for students.”
The university expects several more programs to offer accelerated bachelor’s degrees within the next couple of years. For more information, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu