Turner, Cruz-Perez Bill to Establish Standard Higher Ed Degree Credits Becomes Law

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez to standardize credit requirements for baccalaureate and associate degrees was signed into law today by Governor Murphy.

The law establishes that no more than 120 credits will be required for a baccalaureate degree, and no more than 60 credits will be required for an associate’s degree from a public institution of higher education for students initially enrolled in the fall semester of 2019.

“The cost of higher education is oppressive to students and young graduates saddled with loan debts that inhibit their ability to start off on a life of their own with secure financial footing,” said Senator Turner (D- Hunterdon/Mercer).  “This law protects them from having to prolong their education to earn unnecessary credits for their degrees, and incur additional tuition expenses.”

The standard number of credit hours now established would not apply if:

1. the degree program is defined as a five year program for baccalaureate degree and or more than a 2 year program for an associate’s degree.

1. professional accreditation require a greater number of credit hours, or require courses that cannot be completed in 120 credits for a baccalaureate degree, or 60 credits for an associate’s degree.

1. professional certification require credit hours in excess of 120 credits for a baccalaureate degree, or 60 credits for an associate’s degree.

The law requires the Secretary of Higher Education to establish standards and equivalencies for institutions of higher education that use nontraditional course credit systems.  Also, the governing board of a public institution of higher education, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, must now approve future exceptions to the standard credit hour requirements.