Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is pushing for significant changes to higher education in the state, including a feasibility study for three-year bachelor’s degrees and the elimination of tenure at most public universities. These initiatives, announced through a series of executive orders in February 2026, aim to address workforce needs and control the rising cost of college, but have sparked debate among faculty and administrators about the potential impact on academic quality and institutional autonomy. The move toward accelerated degree programs reflects a growing national trend, but also raises questions about the long-term effects on both students and the future of higher education in Oklahoma.
On February 5, Governor Stitt signed two executive orders as part of a broader effort to reform higher education in Oklahoma. One order ends the granting of tenure at regional universities and community colleges, a move that has drawn criticism from faculty unions and academic freedom advocates. The second order directs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to conduct a 90-day feasibility study on implementing 90-credit-hour “accelerated” bachelor’s degrees. The goal, according to the governor, is to reduce the time and cost of obtaining a degree while maintaining quality and ensuring relevance to the state’s job market.
Accelerated Degrees and Workforce Alignment
Governor Stitt has repeatedly emphasized the need to align higher education with the demands of the Oklahoma workforce. “Here in Oklahoma, we want to deliver higher education that meets workforce needs and keeps our talent at home,” Stitt stated in a news release. “I’m pushing for a 90-hour bachelor’s degree pathway to cut costs and get students into good jobs.” The feasibility study will evaluate which academic fields and institutions are best suited for offering accelerated degrees, assess potential cost savings for students and taxpayers, and recommend a rollout plan.
The executive order also mandates the collection of postgraduate employment data, including job type, wages, and hours worked, to better assess the return on investment of a college education. This data will be used when approving or reviewing academic programs, and when deciding whether to continue, modify, or eliminate existing programs. A parallel bill is currently moving through the Oklahoma legislature, mirroring Stitt’s call for the 90-credit-hour feasibility study, having passed through the House Postsecondary Education Committee with a unanimous vote on February 10.
A Growing Trend, But With Concerns
Oklahoma is not alone in considering shorter degree pathways. States including Indiana, Utah, Maine, and Massachusetts already offer 90-hour bachelor’s programs, according to the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. However, the proposal has met with resistance from some faculty members who fear it will compromise the breadth and depth of a college education. During a recent meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Fitchburg State University Professor Aruna Krishnamurthy argued that reducing the number of required credits could diminish the learning experience and limit students’ future opportunities.
Jennifer Frey, a professor of philosophy at the University of Tulsa, expressed similar concerns, suggesting the move is “an attempt to remove general education requirements.” She believes that instead of shortening degree programs, efforts should be focused on improving the quality of general education. “Instead of offering students a set of cafeteria-style requirements they need to fulfill however they can, we should offer them a set of courses that can facilitate them form a vision of what is true, good, and beautiful,” Frey said via email. “Without such a vision, university graduates in Oklahoma will not be ready to lead in an era where good judgment about the proper utilize of technology and resources is more necessary than ever before.”
Potential Impacts and Support for Reform
Concerns also exist regarding the potential impact on faculty positions and the creation of a two-tiered system based on financial resources, as reported by Forbes. Despite these concerns, the idea of shorter degree programs is gaining traction and receiving bipartisan support. Nick Down, associate director of external affairs for the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, stated that his organization supports the shorter degree program and believes Stitt’s feasibility study is “long overdue.” Down argues that foundational core courses can be completed efficiently, allowing colleges to streamline distribution requirements and reduce unnecessary electives.
The University of Oklahoma has already taken steps in this direction, receiving approval to reduce the required credit hours for eight high-demand degrees to 90. These degrees include social perform, applied artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and others, with the aim of reducing costs and accelerating students’ entry into the workforce. The university reported that these programs will maintain academic rigor while shortening the time to graduation.
However, Frey cautions that the primary goal of universities should not solely be workforce preparation. “Stitt ignores that the university is the one institution dedicated to ‘higher’ learning, where students can ask and find answers to the enduring questions of our shared humanity, such as, the nature of justice, liberty, wisdom, and virtue,” she said.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are expected to release the findings of the 90-day feasibility study in May 2026. This report will be a key factor in determining whether Oklahoma moves forward with implementing three-year bachelor’s degrees statewide. Stakeholders will be closely watching the Regents’ recommendations and the subsequent legislative debate, as the future of higher education in Oklahoma hangs in the balance.
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