Understanding LSUA’s 90-Credit-Hour Degree
LSUA is proud to offer Louisiana’s first Board of Regents-approved accelerated bachelor’s degree programs, providing students with an alternative to the traditional undergraduate pathway. Through LSUA’s new accelerated baccalaureate (AccB) programs, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in 90 credit hours, within a three-year completion timeframe designed to help students complete their degrees with fewer required credit hours and prepare for careers in high-demand fields.
Former LSUA Chancellor Dr. Paul Coreil highlighted the benefits of these new programs, particularly their ability to help students enter the workforce sooner and at a lower cost.
“These 90-hour accelerated bachelor degree programs will be an amazing way to help students get to work quicker – with less expense. This will allow students to focus on the high-demand careers in our state, so they can start a career more quickly in the workforce.”
LSUA is launching two new accelerated degree offerings this November for a Spring 2 2027 class start: Information Technology and Bioinformatics. Both combine foundational academic knowledge, specialized coursework, and applied learning to help students develop skills in evolving STEM fields.
Learn more about LSUA’s accelerated degree options and explore a more direct path toward earning your bachelor’s degree.
What is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
An accelerated baccalaureate program is designed to provide a focused, efficient way to earn a bachelor’s degree. A traditional bachelor’s degree typically requires 120 credit hours and takes about four years to complete. However, LSUA’s accelerated bachelor’s degree programs require just 90 credit hours and are designed around a three-year completion timeframe. The goal is to provide students with a structured academic experience that combines foundational knowledge with coursework specific to their chosen discipline.
Rather than simply reducing the number of courses in a traditional program, the model emphasizes essential academic and disciplinary learning. Students complete general education requirements while dedicating a substantial portion of their coursework to their major.
A Focused Learning Experience
Both Accelerated Baccalaureate programs follow a streamlined 90-credit-hour curriculum that combines general education coursework with specialized study in the student’s chosen field.
This structure balances foundational academic knowledge with focused, discipline-specific learning, preparing students with the knowledge and skills relevant to their area of study.
LSUA’s First Two Accelerated Bachelor’s Programs
Information Technology
From keeping networks running to protecting sensitive information, IT professionals help organizations use technology safely and effectively. LSUA’s Accelerated Bachelor in Information Technology focuses on the systems and technologies organizations rely on, with coursework related to technology infrastructure and professional practice.
The curriculum aligns with industry credentials from CompTIA and AWS, connecting academic learning with skills used in professional technology settings. Through the 90-credit-hour program, students combine general education with focused major coursework in areas relevant to technology systems, networking, and cybersecurity. Courses include:
- CYBR 2000 – Introduction to Cybersecurity
- INTE 2000 – Linux Systems
- INTE 2101 – Database Management Systems
- INTE 3600 – Cloud Fundamentals
This accelerated bachelor’s degree helps students develop the technical and professional skills required for careers in IT. Graduates may pursue roles such as IT Support Specialist, Junior Systems or Network Administrator, and Web Developer.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics brings biology and technology together to help researchers make sense of complex biological data. LSUA’s Accelerated Bachelor in Bioinformatics explores the intersection of biology, data science, and computational analysis.
Students study areas such as genomics, programming, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, learning how computational tools can support scientific research and discovery. The focused curriculum combines general education with specialized coursework in biology and computing. Courses include:
- BIOL 2201 – Introductory Statistics for Biological Sciences
- BIOL 2153 – Genetics
- BIOL 3090 – Cellular and Molecular Biology
- BIOL 3210 – Introduction to Bioinformatics and Genomics
For students interested in science, data, and problem-solving, Bioinformatics offers a way to explore fields such as biotechnology, health research, and genomics. Graduates may pursue careers such as Bioinformatics Technician, Genomic Data Technician, Biological Data Analyst, Clinical Data Coordinator, and Data Scientist.
Why LSUA Developed the 90-Credit-Hour Model
LSUA’s 90-credit-hour accelerated bachelor’s programs offer students a faster pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Through its focused curriculum that balances general education with major-specific coursework, students can earn their degree with fewer credit hours than in a traditional 120-credit-hour program.
LSUA developed this approach to rethink how undergraduate degrees can be structured while maintaining academic excellence and responding to workforce needs. The result is an alternative opportunity that gives students another way to pursue their educational and career goals.
Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Right for You?
For students who want a more direct route to a bachelor’s degree, LSUA’s 90-credit-hour accelerated bachelor’s programs offer an alternative to the traditional 120-credit-hour degree. With fewer credit hours required and a curriculum focused on a specific field, these programs are designed for students ready to concentrate their studies on a defined academic and career path.
Explore Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs
LSUA’s accelerated baccalaureate programs in Information Technology and Bioinformatics offer a 90-credit-hour path to a bachelor’s degree, with a three-year completion plan and focused study in growing STEM fields.
Explore the IT and Bioinformatics accelerated bachelor’s degree programs from LSUA and learn how you can take a earn your degree faster.
