Northwood University has made history as one of the first institutions in the U.S. to receive approval for a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree, following authorization from the Higher Learning Commission. The new Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity is a 90-credit program designed to offer students a faster, more affordable path to a high-quality cybersecurity education.
“Northwood University is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in higher education,” said President Kent MacDonald. “By offering an accelerated path to a cybersecurity degree, we’re helping students gain the skills they need to enter this high-demand market while reducing both cost and time to completion.”
Developed by Dr. Ann-Marie Horcher and Professor David Sanford, the program maintains the same academic rigor as traditional 120-credit degrees while focusing on practical, career-ready skills. Northwood Provost Dr. Kristin Stehouwer emphasized that the degree “reflects our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to experiential learning,” allowing students to complete their studies more efficiently without compromising quality.
The initiative supports Northwood’s mission to improve access to higher education and reduce student debt, while also addressing workforce needs in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for information security analysts is projected to grow 33% over the next decade, far outpacing the national average.
Northwood’s achievement follows its active participation in the College-in-3 Exchange, a national consortium of more than 30 universities focused on reimagining bachelor’s degree structures. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement and a leader in shaping the future of higher education,” said Academic Dean Dr. Stacey Tetloff.
The 90-credit cybersecurity program will be offered alongside Northwood’s 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Business Administration in Cybersecurity Management.
