By AimeeMarie McElreath, Campus News Editor
Are you a business major looking to graduate early and cost-effectively? Saint Leo University will implement a 93-credit bachelor’s degree in business analytics in January 2027, making it the first university in Florida to offer a reduced-credit degree.
“This is an important moment for higher education in the state of Florida,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo. “In 1998, when online education was still in its infancy, we made a bold investment in a new way of delivering a college education. Today, we are applying that same spirit of innovation to another fundamental question facing institutions of higher learning: What should a bachelor’s degree look like in the 21st century?”
The new business analytics program seems to introduce what 21st century education should look like.
Dr. Michele Flint, senior associate dean and professor of accounting, shared the inspiration behind the program.
“The market is evolving in higher ed,” explained Flint. “Student demand is changing. Student needs are changing. Business needs are changing. So, we’re starting to see throughout the country interest and growth in reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees.”
Flint also noted that three-year degree programs are common in places throughout Europe, which aligns with the rising demand for students with business skills. For that reason, business analytics was chosen as the first degree that only requires 93 credits rather than the traditional 120.
Out of the different business majors there are at Saint Leo, how do you know if business analytics is right for you?
Flint gave an overview of what exactly the program of business analytics will offer.
“Business analytics is specifically targeted to take analytical methods and combine them within the field of business,” said Flint. “In this program, students are focused on how to apply analytical skills within the context of business.”
In other words, business analytics differs from general analytics because it applies data analytics to business. Flint also clarified that it differs from studying data analytics as a general topic.
Although the program requires less credits, it has the same amount of rigor needed for students to succeed in the workforce.
“Students take the same core courses; we call it the common business knowledge, and they also take the same major courses,” explained Flint. “So the rigor is there, but it allows students to finish up within three years with fewer credits.”
Flint further discussed how the program will align with student and employer needs while maintaining academic quality. Part of this includes how Saint Leo’s business programs are accredited by an organization called the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The ACBSP holds Saint Leo to certain standards in the accreditation process and ensures that the technical courses fit the needed requirements for adequacy.
“We surveyed a range of employers across different industries and asked them how they would feel about hiring somebody with a 93-credit-hour program, and we received very favorable feedback because it brings students to the marketplace more quickly,” revealed Flint.
The program will allow employers to have more candidates to choose from, allowing students to pursue their careers with less cost and time.
According to Flint, accreditors across the country are starting to accredit these reduced-credit programs, and it seems to be a rising trend. If business analytics seems right for you, check out the new program this Spring semester!
