Students exploring accelerated bachelor’s degrees often have important questions such as: Is the degree fully accredited? What can I accomplish with an accelerated degree? At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our 90-credit bachelor’s programs are regionally accredited and intentionally designed to deliver academic rigor in a streamlined format. Here, you’ll learn what accreditation means, why it matters for employers and graduate schools, and how our FastTrack 90TM accredited bachelor’s programs can benefit you.
90-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Programs at a Glance
- An accredited accelerated bachelor’s degree program lets you finish your degree faster without sacrificing quality.
- Saint Mary’s is introducing 90-credit bachelor’s degrees, which are ideal for adult learners with or without prior college experience or transfer credits
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is regionally accredited, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools.
- Accreditation promotes academic excellence, transferability, and eligibility for tuition reimbursement programs.
How a 90-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Program Works
An accelerated bachelor’s degree program, like those at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, lets you earn your degree in a faster timeframe. Accredited programs are the gold standard, offering faster completion without sacrificing quality or credibility. These programs are specifically designed for busy adults who want to advance their education while balancing work and family commitments. They help graduates get into the working world sooner, so they can start pursuing their dream careers.
Accreditation, Quality, and Transferability
When a program is accredited, that means it meets rigorous academic standards to help students graduate with career-ready, practical skills. There are different types of institutional accreditation in higher education. Regional accreditation, which is held by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota through the Higher Learning Commission, evaluates the academic quality of the entire institution. Many employers and graduate schools prefer degrees from regionally accredited universities.
When it comes to accredited 90-credit bachelor’s degree programs, they differ from standard bachelor’s degree programs in a few ways. They include:
- Flexible formats: Many accelerated programs are offered in fully online formats, so you can learn from anywhere and fit school into your existing schedule.
- Credit load and pacing: 90-credit programs offer 25% less credits than the traditional 120, enabling you to move at a faster pace and finish your degree in as few as three years, or less if you transfer credits.
- Ideal for adult or working students: These programs are ideal for self-motivated students, working professionals, and those with prior college experience who want to earn their degree efficiently and effectively.
Career Outcomes and Employer Perceptions
Most employers recognize and respect accelerated degrees from reputable, regionally accredited schools for their high academic standards and practical focus. The FastTrack 90TM degrees we offer at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota integrate focused learning by offering courses that are career-centered, giving you the knowledge and skills employers want most.
Graduates of accredited programs are well-positioned for career advancement, but they can also enhance the value of their degree by building a professional portfolio, earning relevant certifications, and leveraging their work experience. These steps can set graduates apart in competitive job markets and demonstrate their commitment to professional growth.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our students and alumni benefit from career services, strong networking opportunities, and ongoing support, helping them translate their education into meaningful career outcomes.
Accredited, Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
We will offer a range of regionally accredited, flexible online 90-credit bachelor’s degree programs designed for working adults with or without transfer credits. Each program has 25% fewer credits than a traditional bachelor’s degree, helping students earn their degrees and enter the workforce faster.
The first FastTrack 90TM program is the B.S. in Applied Psychology, which allows you to study psychology, research, cognition, and communication. Available in the Spring semester of 2026, this program is the first approved program in our new 90-credit pathway, built specifically for adult learners. This program acknowledges the experience adult learners bring, creating an efficient path to earning a respected bachelor’s degree.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota plans to offer the following programs in a 90-credit model in 2026. Interested students can enroll in the current program and will have the option to switch to the 90-credit version when it becomes available:
- B.S. in Business Administration: Gain technical and analytical skills for a variety of professional settings. Coursework includes accounting, finance, marketing, business law, and leadership.
- B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership: This program allows you to prepare for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. This program helps provide the knowledge and confidence necessary for career advancement.
- B.S. in Healthcare Management: This program covers U.S. healthcare systems, HR management, information management, quality improvement, and applied leadership. It is ideal for mid-career professionals and learners.
- B.S. in Human Resource Management: Finish in as little as one year in this Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)-aligned, fully online program. Courses cover labor relations, managerial ethics, employee engagement, and professional communication. There’s an option to earn graduate credit toward an M.A. in Human Resource Management.
- B.S. in Information Technology: Advance your IT career with a STEM-focused curriculum, including network security, business intelligence, enterprise architecture, and cloud computing. Graduates earn a digital badge to showcase their expertise.
Each program is regionally accredited and designed to help you achieve your career goals faster. Each bachelor’s program also has a corresponding master’s program option that students can earn credit towards.
Cost, Time to Degree, and Program Fit
When choosing a program, consider regional accreditation, available support services, schedule flexibility, and how the curriculum aligns with your career goals. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our 90-credit bachelor’s degree programs are built to accommodate working adults seeking a respected, faster path to graduation.
These programs are also designed for efficiency and value. Many students finish their degrees in as little as three years, or potentially sooner if they maximize transfer credits or have prior learning experience. We offer competitive tuition rates. Eligible students can also access financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition benefits to help make their education affordable.
Choose Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for Your Online 90-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Program
Take the next step toward your future with an accredited, accelerated bachelor’s degree online at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our flexible programs are designed for busy adults who want to earn their degree efficiently without sacrificing quality. Request more information to see how Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help you begin your career.
FAQ About Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Are accelerated bachelor’s degrees respected by employers?
Yes, employers value degrees from regionally accredited institutions because accreditation ensures academic quality and career-ready skills.
Will a 90-credit program limit my graduate school options?
No. If your program is regionally accredited, most graduate schools recognize it. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has programs that meet these standards, so you can pursue advanced degrees without concern. However, it’s always recommended to check the admission requirements of programs you’re interested in.
How fast can I finish my accelerated bachelor’s degree without sacrificing quality?
Most students complete a 90-credit bachelor’s degree online program in three years, depending on transfer credits and prior learning. These programs are fully accredited and offer a curriculum structure that is thoughtfully designed and focused.
