Recognizing the evolving demands of today’s workforce and the financial realities facing non-traditional students, Mid-America Christian University (MACU) has officially announced the launch of an innovative, accelerated degree pathway in their Bachelor of Applied Science in Business degree program.
This high-impact program requires just 90 credit hours to complete—reduced from the traditional 120-hour model—making it one of the region’s most efficient, affordable, and flexible paths to a bachelor’s degree. Offered through flexible online courses, this program is designed specifically for adult learners, transfer students, and Associate degree holders seeking to maximize their previous college credits or prior learning experiences.
“The national landscape in higher education is shifting, and employers are clearly telling us they need graduates with specific, actionable competencies,” said Dr. Kelly Riesenmy, Chair of the School of Business. “By removing non-essential general electives and focusing squarely on the essential elements of leadership and organizational success, we have created a hyper-focused curriculum that respects our students’ time, reduces their educational costs, and gives them a competitive edge in the marketplace.”
Despite the streamlined 90-hour framework, the degree track maintains strict academic rigor. It fully satisfies the 12 Common Professional Components required by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and remains in complete compliance with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). Students will dive deeply into key professional arenas including management principles, business analytics, corporate finance, marketing, and information systems.
True to MACU’s mission, the entire curriculum is grounded in a Biblical worldview. The program is intentionally structured to build confident, ethical creators and innovators who lead with a faith-forward perspective in the corporate arena. Courses will be delivered in an accelerated, five-week format that accommodates the demanding schedules of working professionals.
Under this model, students who bring in transfer credits or students bringing an Associates may need as few as 30 credits—or roughly 10 courses—to cross the finish line to graduation. This significantly reduces “credit-hour friction” and lowers the total cost of a bachelor’s degree by an estimated $15,000 compared to traditional programs.
“Our core demographic consists heavily of adult learners over the age of 25 who balance work, family, and community responsibilities,” said Dr. Steve Sloan, Business Administration Program Director. “They want a clear, intentional path from degree to career. This degree answers that call directly, proving that an institution can lower the barriers of time and cost without ever compromising on academic or spiritual excellence.”
Enrollment for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business is now open for upcoming terms. Prospective students, corporate partners, and transfer coordinators are encouraged to visit the School of Business webpage or contact the MACU Enrollment office to learn more about application requirements and degree trajectories.