3-year college degrees grow more popular in the US, saving time and cash. But critics aren't sold
- Three-year degree programs are becoming more popular in the U.S., with 26 states offering at least one such program.
- These programs allow students to complete a bachelor's degree in as few as 90 credit hours, compared to the traditional 120 hours.
- Advocates argue that three-year degrees help address college affordability and benefit non-traditional students.
- Critics express concerns that these programs may limit educational breadth and confuse employers regarding qualifications.
- The American Association of University Professors believes that the programs devalue the meaning of a college credential.
Giles Sims, a 34-year-old student at Ensign College in Salt Lake City, turned to a three-year degree program to quickly gain a college credential after being passed over for jobs. He expressed that he could not afford to be out of the workforce for four years and found the three-year option more manageable.
The popularity of three-year degree programs has surged, with 26 states now offering such options. These programs typically require fewer classes, allowing students to graduate with as few as 90 credit hours, thus reducing the time needed to earn a degree.
While advocates see these programs as a solution to the college affordability crisis, critics worry that they may compromise the quality of education, limit graduate school options, and create challenges for students in fields requiring state licenses. The American Association of University Professors has voiced concerns that these programs devalue the significance of a college degree.
美国三年制大学学位越来越受欢迎，节省时间和费用，但批评者并不买账
34岁的吉尔斯·西姆斯在盐湖城的恩赛因学院就读，他选择三年制学位课程，以便快速获得大学文凭，因为他在求职时被拒绝。他表示，他无法承受四年不工作的经济压力，三年制的选择让他觉得更可行。
三年制学位课程的受欢迎程度激增，目前已有26个州提供此类选项。这些项目通常要求的课程较少，学生可以在90个学分内毕业，从而缩短获得学位所需的时间。
虽然支持者认为这些项目是解决大学负担能力危机的方案，但批评者担心这可能会影响教育质量，限制研究生入学选择，并给需要州执照的领域的学生带来挑战。美国大学教授协会对这些项目贬低大学学位的意义表达了担忧。