Description

Season 9 kicks off with a discussion about 90 credit degrees and how the University of Maine System is moving forward with three Applied Baccalaureate degrees as a way of bringing learners with some college but no degree back to the university system. Chancellor Dan Malloy and Vice Chancellor Jeff St. John join to talk about their process for developing the Applied Baccalaureates, the surprisingly little pushback from faculty, the enthusiastic response from employers, and their hopes for continued growth and engagement with these innovative credentials in the future.    

Key Takeaways:

• The 90-credit credential is an academic innovation designed to bring “some college no degree” learners back to school. The reduced credit threshold for awarding the degree may support easier access into the workforce in less time with less money spent by the learner.
• The University of Maine System will launch three “Applied Baccalaureates” in fall 2026, having worked with their accreditors, their trustees, and faculty at each of the system member institutions to identify and develop these programs. 
• Accrediting bodies may provide guidance for institutions about what must be included as part of a 90-credit credential, and may have requirements for how to name the degree and how to differentiate them from the full baccalaureate degree. 

Host:

Doug McKenna, Ph.D.
University Registrar, George Mason University
cmckenn@gmu.edu   

Guests:

Daniel Malloy, J.D.
Chancellor, University of Maine System
https://www.maine.edu/chancellors-office/dannel-p-malloy-chancellor/ 

Jeffrey St. John, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, University of Maine System

References and Additional Information:

Core Competencies: Leadership and Management