MADISON, Wis (CBS 58) - Earlier this week, the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a change to a policy that would allow for degrees with a minimum of 90 credit hours.

Degree programs still must be developed and approved, before they can be voted on, and it would take around a year for the degrees to begin.

‘It’s not just this is where we are, we reduce it, and we continue to offer it, this is a rigorous process that will have to be followed,” said UW Senior Vice President for Academics and Student Affairs Johannes Britz.

Britz says the degrees could be anywhere from 90 to 100 credit hours and can be done in any amount of years.

“A reduced credit degree program is not just a reduction in its offer, it’s a redesign, re-thought design with academic thoughtfulness, learning outcomes, what skills they need to have, what’s redundant, what’s not,” Britz said.

Despite fewer hours, Britz says the change would not impact the credibility of a degree of a UW campus.

“Faculty in terms of academic credibility and quality control will ensure that the quality will not be sacrificed for these offerings,” Britz said.