Alicia Meehan, opinions editor

Recently, the Board of Regents in the University System of Georgia allowed a change to credit-hour guidelines, introducing a 90 credit-hour bachelor’s degree program. Contrasting with the typical 120 credit-hour program which takes four to five years to complete, this creates a shorter degree option for students to pursue.

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC), this concept would allow for students to enter the workforce sooner. Having enough qualification to apply for jobs early gives young adults a step ahead. However, it is important that students fully understand what they have a degree in. The short timeframe might not lend to a truly knowledgable professional by the time students are let into the workforce.

By shortening the hours spent learning and preparing students for the workforce, these programs might lessen the respectability of their education. While it should be the same amount of work, packing it into a smaller timeframe may make the degree come across as a student having taken the easier route by spending less time learning. Employers and even family members may look down on students who “rushed” through their education, even though they have actually earned their qualifications.

When it comes to careers like scientific research, structural engineering, medical professionals and more, it makes the most sense to ensure that those who pursue these high risk jobs have all the knowledge they need to do their jobs safely and correctly. The shorter program pushes a lot of information into a condensed amount of time, which may not be beneficial to making sure students actually retain what they are taught.

This idea that students should take their time to learn for their profession does not have to be centered around the previously mentioned careers as well. Rushing into the workforce may seem like a good idea to secure your place, but it is very important to truly understand what you’re doing before you’re there.

According to Professor Robert Kelchen via the AJC, the program may cater towards adults looking to add to their education background. A three-year degree can fit more easily into adults’ already busy schedules and provide a cheaper way to increase their qualifications. This aspect of the program makes sense for adult life and sounds like a good improvement to higher education. Adding flexibility to higher education means more adults can go back to school to further their knowledge and first time college attendees can spend less money as they go about their adult lives.

The true results of these newly structured programs won’t be seen for many years until students go through the programs and spend some time in the workforce after graduating. Some students may greatly benefit from the headstart, especially those who work well under the stress of a fast-paced program. Others may find it difficult to adjust during the three years, and struggle once they’re released into the world of careers.

Overall, this new three-year, 90 credit-hour degree option makes the most sense for adults seeking further education, rather than new college students trying to complete their first bachelor’s degree. The quick pace and intensity might let young adults out into the workforce quicker but may not be the best pick for certain individuals or for specific career paths. This new degree style should not become the norm for students to pursue.

College’s seem to have no issue allowing their students to opt for the three-year program but it is up to each student to look at their individual learning style and the profession that they plan to get into and choose the right program for themselves. But in its entirety, the credit-cutting program would clash with Berry’s liberal arts structure and does not have a place at Berry.