SDSU Weighs 90-Credit Hospitality Degree

South Dakota State University is considering a shorter Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management that would require 90 credits instead of 120.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Secondary Education

SDSU Weighs 90-Credit Hospitality Degree

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Would you consider a shorter 90-credit bachelor's degree worth it for yourself?

South Dakota State University is considering a 90-credit Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management, down from the current 120-credit requirement. The proposal advanced from the SDSU Faculty Senate after nearly an hour of debate, with four senators voting no.

Why it matters

The proposal reflects a broader national movement toward reduced-credit degrees, which have grown from five programs announced in 2024 to 48 in 2025. For South Dakota students weighing the cost and time of a degree, the change could alter how and how quickly they complete a bachelor's program.

The current SDSU hospitality bachelor's requires 120 credits, while the proposed bachelor of applied science would require 90. RAND reports 30 states have adopted 90-credit degrees as of spring 2026, though whether the Board of Regents will approve the change remains unknown.

The players

South Dakota State University

A public land-grant university in Brookings, South Dakota, and the institution proposing the reduced-credit hospitality degree.

South Dakota Board of Regents

The governing body overseeing South Dakota's public universities, which must approve the proposal before it can take effect.

The details

The proposal would convert the existing 120-credit BA into a 90-credit applied science degree. It has advanced to the Board of Regents Academic Affairs Council, and if approved there, it would go to the full board for final approval.

Oct. 27: SDSU Faculty Senate debated and advanced the proposal.
December or April: The full Board of Regents could vote on the proposal.

Roadmap

RAND's tracking shows 30 states had implemented 90-credit degrees by spring 2026, and announced reduced-credit programs grew from five in 2024 to 48 in 2025. South Dakota's proposal extends that wave into the state's public university system.

If approved, students entering the program could complete the degree in 90 credits rather than 120, which may reduce tuition and time to graduation. Students should confirm how the change applies to their own degree plan before enrolling.

The takeaway

Shorter degree requirements are spreading across the country as schools respond to cost concerns and changing industry needs. Prospective hospitality students in South Dakota should watch the Board of Regents' upcoming decisions.