The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Introduces Three-Year Online Bachelor’s Degrees | Cliptv Online

By Abraham Adaranijo

In a significant move towards making education more accessible worldwide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the introduction of online bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in just three years. This initiative, facilitated through BYU–Idaho and Ensign College, will be available starting in April 2024 and aims to streamline the education process while reducing costs.

The new online degrees, approved by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, will require students to complete 90 to 96 credit hours instead of the typical 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. This reduction in credit hours is achieved by eliminating elective courses while retaining all major and general education requirements.

The move is in line with the Church’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable education globally. President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized the importance of expanding access to education, particularly for those who may have previously viewed higher education as unattainable.

This innovation is expected to benefit a significant number of individuals, especially non-traditional students. Online students at BYU–Idaho and Ensign College are often working full time, supporting families, and, on average, are 33 years old. Many of them are first-generation college students who face financial challenges. The three-year degree structure is designed to increase graduation rates while preserving the essential learning outcomes required for future employment.

The new online bachelor’s degrees will be available in various fields, including business, technology, communication, health, family services, and professional studies. BYU–Idaho and Ensign College have received accreditation for this new degree structure, which aligns with broader trends in higher education, focusing on learning outcomes rather than traditional time-based credit requirements.

BYU–Idaho has previously explored innovative approaches to higher education through participation in initiatives like the “College-in-3” consortium. This consortium included institutions such as the University of Minnesota Rochester and the University of Pennsylvania, all seeking alternative methods to enhance the educational experience.

New students enrolling in fall semester 2023 or later will automatically be enrolled in the three-year bachelor’s degree structure when pursuing their degrees through BYU–Idaho or Ensign College. Existing students can transition to the new structure starting in the spring semester of April 2024, depending on their progress in their programs. This shift is expected to make higher education more accessible, affordable, and efficient for a broader range of learners.