A New Kind of Bachelor’s Degree: The 90-Credit Model
The traditional bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits. But what if it didn’t have to? At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our new fully online FastTrack 90TM 90-credit bachelor’s degrees are intentionally designed to deliver a focused, career-aligned education in fewer credits — without sacrificing academic rigor, accreditation, or opportunity. This is not a shortcut. It is a streamlined degree model built for today’s learners. Here, we explore accelerated bachelor’s degree online programs, why they’re graduate-ready options for adult learners, and what to look for when deciding.
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees at a Glance
- 90-credit bachelor’s degrees allow motivated learners to complete their degrees faster without sacrificing academic quality, whether or not they have previous college credits.
- Programs are offered in a flexible, online format to fit the needs of working adults.
- 90-credit bachelor’s degrees feature 25% less credits than standard bachelor’s but have focused pacing and curriculum designs to provide a well-rounded education.
- Our 90-credit programs are regionally accredited, ensuring your degree is credible and respected by employers and graduate schools.
What Is a 90-Credit Bachelor’s Degree?
A 90-credit bachelor’s degree is a thoughtfully structured undergraduate program that reduces total credit requirements while maintaining academic depth and quality. Rather than expanding electives or layering on excess coursework, these programs focus on:
- Core disciplinary knowledge
- Applied, career-relevant skills
- Intentional curriculum design
- Efficient sequencing
The result is a bachelor’s degree that can be completed more quickly and affordably — whether you are beginning your college journey or bringing in previous credits.
Designed for Modern Learners
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our FastTrack 90™ 90-credit programs are offered in convenient online formats, making it easier for working adults to balance school, work, and life. The best candidates are focused, organized, and ready to use what they’ve already achieved. These programs are built for:
- Students starting fresh
- Transfer students
- Working adults
- Career changers
- Professionals seeking advancement
Because the programs are fully online, students can balance coursework with work and family responsibilities.
How Is This Different from a Traditional 120-Credit Degree?
The difference between our 90-credit bachelor’s degrees and traditional 120-credit programs is intentional design. Instead of building around a traditional 120-credit framework, the FastTrack 90™ model:
- Streamlines general education requirements
- Focuses on major-specific coursework
- Emphasizes applied learning
- Removes unnecessary redundancy
Students earn a fully accredited bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
90-Credit Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s new fully online 90-credit bachelor’s degrees are designed for working adults who want to advance their careers and education on a flexible schedule. The following programs are part of the FastTrack 90™ model:
- B.S. in Applied Psychology: This program covers human behavior, mental health, and counseling techniques that can prepare you for careers in community services or further graduate study.
- B.S. in Business Administration: This program helps develop essential leadership, management, and analytical skills necessary for success in today’s dynamic business environment.
- B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership: This program helps you prepare for advancement in law enforcement, corrections, or public safety by focusing on ethical leadership and contemporary justice systems.
- B.S. in Healthcare Management: This program focuses on healthcare operations, policy, and leadership, allowing you to make a meaningful difference in the growing healthcare field.
- B.S. in Human Resource Management: Through this program, you will be taught how to recruit, develop, and lead talent while mastering human resource law, strategy, and organizational effectiveness.
- B.S. in Information Technology: This program teaches practical, hands-on skills in systems, cybersecurity, and IT management to advance your career in technology.
These programs allow students to earn their degrees in a faster timeframe without sacrificing a thorough education.
What Sets Our Quality Programs Apart?
Our FastTrack 90™ bachelor’s degree programs are designed with the highest standards of academic integrity and student support. Every program is built to deliver flexibility without sacrificing quality, ensuring graduates are prepared for career advancement and further education. Aspects that set our programs apart include:
- Focused curriculum design: The 90-credit programs have 25% less credits than traditional bachelor programs, which utilize focused pacing and structured curriculum designs to provide a thorough, high-quality education that can be completed in a shorter timeframe.
- Regional accreditation: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is regionally accredited. Our 90-credit programs have been formally approved through our accrediting processes.
- Employer tuition benefits: These benefits often apply to our programs, making education more affordable for working professionals.
- Transfer-friendly policy: If you have transfer credits and prior learning assessments, they can help you maximize previous coursework and professional experience, reducing time and cost.
Graduates earn the same institutional degree recognition as all Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota undergraduate students.
Real Results: Career Impact and Alumni Success
Our graduates see tangible benefits from completing an accredited 90-credit bachelor’s degree program. Career impacts include recognition from employers and graduate schools, helping graduates stand out in competitive job markets. Completing an accelerated degree also demonstrates commitment and efficiency, making your resume more competitive.
To make their portfolio stand out even more, students can combine coursework with practical projects and industry-relevant skills. Stackable credentials and digital badges allow graduates to showcase specialized expertise to employers.
Is a 90-Credit Degree Right for You?
Choosing the right degree program means balancing time, cost, and personal goals. When considering a bachelor’s program, students often weigh:
- Time to completion: See if you can manage shorter semester terms and a focused workload to complete your degree faster.
- Tuition and other costs: Consider the total cost of attendance and financial aid options, including scholarships and employer tuition benefits.
- Transfer credits: Ask about transferring in credits and prior learning to reduce both time in school and overall cost.
Considering these aspects can help you decide if a 90-credit bachelor’s degree program is right for you.
Finish Sooner and Advance Faster at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
If you’re looking for a focused, accredited, and fully online bachelor’s degree designed for momentum, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s FastTrack 90™ programs provide a new path forward. These 90-credit programs are graduate-ready options that are designed to provide personalized support for busy professionals. We also provide ongoing career services, mentorship, and guidance pre- and post-graduation. Request information on upcoming program start dates to finish your online degree faster.
FAQ About 90-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Are 90-credit online bachelor’s degrees truly valued by employers and graduate schools?
Yes, employers and graduate schools recognize accredited 90-credit programs as thorough and efficient, indicating strong time management skills and a commitment to professional growth.
How do 90-credit bachelor’s programs work, and can I transfer previous credits or experience?
90-credit programs use focused pacing and curriculum structure to shorten completion time. Most students can transfer prior college credits or apply professional experience through prior learning assessments to reduce cost and time.
What support and resources does Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offer to help me succeed during and after my degree?
Students receive advising, career services, and graduate school guidance. Alumni benefit from a strong professional network and ongoing support to advance their careers.
