A typical bachelor's degree requires 120 credits and can take up to four years to complete if you take a full-time credit load, which is at least 12 credits a semester. Many universities are beginning to offer 90-credit degree programs that are purpose-built to prepare students for the workforce. Upon graduation from a 90-credit program, you'll have the skills needed to enter your field and begin your career.
ASU offers these types of programs in the education field to address a critical need. According to the Arizona Department of Education, there are more than 4,000 vacant teaching positions in the state. Nationally, more than 400,000 positions are unfilled or filled by teachers who are not fully certified, according to the Learning Policy Institute.
The 90-credit education programs at ASU help fill this large need by equipping students with the essential skills for success in education. As a result, you’ll be able to get into the classroom or schools faster without cutting corners on the quality of your preparation.
Are three-year bachelor's degrees accredited and recognized by employers?
Before enrolling in any 90-credit bachelor's degree program, it's important to research the accreditation status. The 90-credit online programs offered by ASU are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, these programs lead to an Arizona teacher certification, which is a critical requirement for securing a public school teaching position.
According to Best Colleges, this is an emerging format that many universities across the U.S. are adopting to help students graduate sooner, save money and enter the workforce on a faster timeline.
Schools like Brigham Young University, The Chicago School and Concordia University, St. Paul already offer these types of programs. The California State University system is also set to launch its own version of these 90-credit programs, according to Best Colleges.
Can you still go to graduate school with a three-year degree?
Since this format is relatively new, there can be some challenges for those interested in graduate school. Most graduate programs build their admission requirements around the typical 120-credit bachelor's degree, which means you may not meet all of their requirements.
If you plan to pursue graduate study in the future, a 90-credit bachelor's degree might not be the right fit.
However, ASU's Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation has committed to accepting graduates of its 90-credit bachelor's programs into its own graduate programs. If you pursue one of the 90-credit programs at ASU, you'll have a clear path to continue on to graduate study within Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, so long as you meet the other admission requirements.
How much time and money does a three-year degree save?
Unlike traditional 4-year programs, the 90-credit program can be completed in about three years, saving you an entire year's worth of tuition.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of in-state tuition in the U.S. is $9,750, with the average cost of out-of-state tuition being $28,386. Taking one less year of school can save you a lot of money.
How can a three-year education degree help Arizona's teacher shortage?
Programs like those ASU offers are designed to give you the skills you need to enter the workforce quickly. Some programs lead to teaching certification, a critical requirement for finding a role.
Each 90-credit bachelor’s degree program at ASU focuses on the critical skills needed to succeed in your career. For instance, the programs that lead to teaching certification are specifically designed to give you core skills around classroom management and supporting student success.
Upon graduation, you'll have the knowledge needed to fill these positions and contribute to the classrooms and students who need support most.
Which three-year education degrees does ASU offer online and do they lead to certification?
We currently offer two 90-credit bachelor's programs through Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation:
- Education (Special Education), BEd
- This program leads to Arizona special education certification. It's designed for students who want to work in special education at the K–8 level in Arizona.
- Education (Elementary Education), BEd
- This program leads to an Arizona elementary education certification. It's designed for students who want to teach at the K–8 level in Arizona.
Is a three-year bachelor's degree right for you?
That depends on your goals. If you want to build specific workforce skills quickly and don't plan to pursue graduate study outside of ASU, this program type can be the right fit. The 90-credit bachelor’s degree can also be helpful for those who already work in the education field looking for a fast way to get certified and advance their career.
For students who want to explore different areas of study through a minor, take a wide range of elective courses or keep graduate school options fully open at other institutions, a traditional 120-credit program may serve you better.
Either way, an online degree from ASU is designed to support your career goals now and into the future by providing you with the training and experience to move forward.
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