Johnson & Wales University introduces the country’s first three-year (90 credits) face-to-face bachelor’s degree program

Four programs are now accepting applications for fall 2025

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, October 22, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Johnson & Wales University (JWU) today announced the launch of three-year (90-96 credits) bachelor’s degree programs in computer science, criminal justice, graphic design and hotel management. With this announcement, Johnson & Wales University becomes the first university in the country to offer this type of three-year, face-to-face bachelor’s degree program.

These new programs are tailored to the needs of students who want to enter the workforce quickly and with less financial burden. They offer rigorous and comprehensive training in three years instead of the previous four years.

“At Johnson & Wales, we are committed to providing our students with educational opportunities that are accessible and transformative.” said Johnson & Wales University Chancellor Mim L. Runey, LP.D. “Offering three-year bachelor’s programs with just 90 credits allows more students to start their careers earlier – and with fewer financial obligations. This is what parents and students have been demanding from higher education and I am delighted that Johnson & Wales University is the first in the country to meet this need.”

In September, the New England Commission for Higher Education granted Johnson & Wales University approval to offer three-year degrees of 90-96 credits under the university’s current accreditation. For more than a century, higher education accreditation bodies have adopted the standard that bachelor’s degrees require at least 120 hours of study.

“This initiative reflects Johnson & Wales University’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education,” he added John E. Taylor Jr. ’18 Hon., Chairman of Johnson & Wales University Board of Trustees. “By offering these new degree programs, we are not only responding to the needs of our students, but are also contributing to personnel development in key industries.”

How will it work?

The new programs require the same basic general education credits as the current four-year bachelor’s degree and the same major courses of study. Unlike accelerated degree programs, in which students graduate early by taking courses throughout the year and/or bringing credits from high school, three-year programs require students to complete a regular semester load of coursework during the academic year . Students in the three-year bachelor’s degree programs will count the professional experience gained during the academic year and summer months toward degree requirements and will take fewer or no electives, instead focusing on their major studies.

The story continues

“These three-year bachelor’s degree programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that is both intensive and immersive. The degrees chosen for the three-year bachelor’s degree program were selected because they are in industries with current high demand.” said Jennifer Galipeau, Ed.D. Deputy Rector of Johnson & Wales University. “By integrating experiential learning opportunities across all of our degree programs, we ensure our graduates are not only academically prepared, but also equipped with the practical skills they need for successful careers,” she added.

The university will continue to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in more than 80 other majors, including all four programs offered as three-year degrees. Students attending on campus have access to the full range of extracurricular activities, programs and professional opportunities.

Program start date and application process

The new programs will begin accepting applications in fall 2024, with the first class of students beginning in the fall 2025 semester. Prospective students can apply via the JWU website at www.jwu.edu/3year, which contains detailed information on application requirements, deadlines and the selection process.

About JWU

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in arts and sciences, business, engineering, food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, health and wellness. It also offers bachelor’s degree programs in culinary arts, dietetics and design. JWU’s unique model offers students personal support, academic expertise and industry contacts that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as evidenced by career outcomes, expected earnings, and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global: graduates from 125 countries pursue careers worldwide. For more information, see jwu.edu.

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