Iowa Regents Approve Fast-Track Degrees to Boost Workforce

The Iowa Board of Regents gave the green light Monday to a new accelerated degree program that lets students graduate with roughly 30 fewer credits than a traditional bachelor's degree, putting Iowans into the workforce faster and cutting the cost of a four-year degree.

What is the new accelerated degree program?

The Bachelor of Applied Professional Studies, approved at the board's June 15 meeting, will require just 90 to 95 credits instead of the typical 120. The program is set to launch at the start of the 2027 academic year at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Rachel Boon, chief academic officer for the Board of Regents, said the program is tied to House File 440, which authorized new degree pathways in Iowa. She emphasized the program won't replace existing degrees but will create a streamlined option for students who want career-ready skills without unnecessary coursework.