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The 3-Year Degree is Coming to Cal State: Here is What You Need to Know

  • Jun 1
  • 2 min read

Earning a college degree usually takes four years, but California State University is about to change that. According to a report by CalMatters, CSU trustees voted to let its 23 campuses create new bachelor's degrees that students can finish in three years.


The Reason for the Shift

Cal State faces a couple of big problems. Several campuses are losing students, and they are competing with fast online programs. The university plans to cut the minimum graduation requirement from 120 credits to 90 credits for these specific programs. This change will make college cheaper and faster. It helps students get into the workforce sooner. On average, college graduates in California earn $96,000 a year, while high school graduates earn $48,000.


Three New Degrees

These new options will not replace standard four-year degrees. Instead, they target specific careers through three options:

  • Bachelor of Education: This path helps future teachers get into classrooms a year early.

  • Bachelor of Professional Studies: This option helps working adults move into management. It lets them trade job experience for college credit.

  • Bachelor of Applied Studies: This track is for students who already have technical or trade school training and want a degree.


The board also dropped a rule that forced students to take at least 30 credits at their graduating campus. Now, if you dropped out of one CSU school, you can finish your degree at another campus much easier.


San Diego State University
San Diego State University

Pushback from Teachers

The decision caused some tension. The university faculty senate asked the board to delay the vote. Professors worry that a 90-credit degree will weaken the value of a college education. They note that while European countries use three-year degrees, their high schools work differently. But trustees voted yes anyway. They believe campuses need these programs to win back students.


When Do They Start?

The new degrees will not open right away. Faculty members still need to design the classes. You can expect the first programs to start between Fall 2027 and Fall 2028.


You can read the full story on CalMatters.

 
 
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