School launches three-year bachelor's degree program

School launches three-year bachelor's degree program

In order to save money on the cost of higher education, many students are enrolling in summer school and finding ways to spend less time in college. Universities are increasingly offering students accelerated degree tracks in an effort to accommodate those who wish to graduate in a shorter amount of time.

For example, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) recently launched a three-year bachelor's degree program, The Republican reports. The school implemented the accelerated program for those who have Advanced Placement credits from high school, to take courses online and study during the summer.

"At UMass Amherst, we believe it is our obligation as the commonwealth's flagship institution to explore new alternatives for students, especially in these times of financial duress," said school Chancellor Robert Holub, quotes the news source.

The school will offer accelerated programs in economics, sociology and music, as well as linguistics, Spanish and dance in the future.

The Sloan Consortium reports that 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the 2008 academic year.

By Mark Danson