Themajority of students attending Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities will be required to earn 120 credits to graduate under a new policy adopted by the Board of Governors. Students who earn 15 credits per semester – in most cases, by taking five courses – will be able to graduate in four years.

Most State System universities currently require students to earn up to 128 credits to earn a baccalaureate degree. Students in some majors must earn even more because of special degree requirements. Provisions in the new policy allow universities to require additional credits for graduation under certain circumstances.

Chancellor Judy G. Hample also endorsed the change, saying it will ensure a rigorous set of graduation requirements for all students, while enhancing their opportunity to complete their degree in four years. “This is a tremendous benefit for students,” Hample said.

Students will continue to be required to complete both a general education program, as well as a full complement of courses in their major area of study.

The 120-credit requirement will bring State System universities in line with most other colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, including both private and state-related institutions.

Under the new policy, students will be required to earn 120 credits for baccalaureate degrees, “unless otherwise required by statute, regulation or accreditation.” Some programs require additional coursework because of standards established by government or professional organizations.

The Board of Governors will have to approve any additional degree requirements. Universities will submit their requests for exceptions to the 120-credit requirement to the chancellor, who will then make a recommendation to the Board.

The Board’s policy on the granting of academic degrees requires students to complete both a general education requirement and a program of courses related to their specific field of study. The general education requirement – which must comprise at least 40 percent of the total baccalaureate degree requirement – covers a broad range of courses, including those in the humanities, fine arts, communication, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics and the natural sciences.

At least 25 percent of a student’s credits must be earned in a specific academic discipline. The remainder of the curriculum may consist of course work related to the student’s major, advanced coursework in the liberal arts or sciences or electives.

At least 40 percent of the total baccalaureate degree requirements must consist of upper level, advanced coursework.

With more than 98,600 students, the State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. More than 360,000 System alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. The System also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Kittanning, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and the University Center for Southwest Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh. The regional centers are part of the Educational Resources Group, which is responsible for coordinating statewide programming.