pathways

911�� explores three-year degree pathways to expand access and affordability

Katarina Benson — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:02:18 +0000

911�� explores three-year degree pathways to expand access and affordability Katarina Benson Mon, 09/28/2026 - 10:02

911��, in coordination with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), is pursuing the development of three-year degree programs that will make college education accessible to more students, save them time and money, and provide more opportunities for workforce engagement.

The university’s Provost’s Office will soon release a resource kit that can help guide deans, faculty, and staff as they determine which academic programs in their schools and colleges could best align with a three-year degree format, along with other potential curricula changes. Additional research is being gathered to better understand employer perspectives on shorter degree pathways, as employability remains an important consideration for students, faculty, and families.

“One of the things that excites me most about 911�� is our willingness to think differently about how we serve students,” said Provost Marion Underwood. “Our faculty know their disciplines and our students deeply, and I am excited to see what they imagine as we explore new approaches to the undergraduate degree. There is tremendous opportunity here to think creatively about how we maintain academic excellence while making a 911�� education even more accessible and responsive to students’ needs.”

Wilkins Plaza. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Most undergraduate degrees require 120 credit hours. A three-year abridged degree would likely require 90. Accelerated degrees must weigh standards, appropriate programs, program design, student demand, learning outcomes, workforce needs, and accreditation requirements with both SCHEV and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

More than half of states nationwide now offer at least one three-year degree option, although many are offered through private institutions with online programs. Virginia and Ohio higher education officials are working together to better understand how more scalable models for three-year degrees might be developed.

In Ohio, legislative action has accelerated this work at the state level. The work of this community of practice speaks to SCHEV’s interest in exploring these models in Virginia and carefully thinking through the approval processes that need to be considered for this type of degree.

For now, based on some guidance from the university accreditor SACSCOC, 911�� is currently referring to these programs as “abridged degrees”—degree pathways shortened through either reduced time to completion or fewer required credits.

“We know that 911�� can lead in this space because we’ve always been nimble and able to adapt to evolving student needs,” said Janette Muir, vice provost of academic affairs. “We are not so entrenched in the way it’s always been that we generally can come to the table and work toward more flexibility. We don’t want to be the ones that are just jumping in line. We want to be leaders in helping move the line forward.”

The university also will consider additional bachelor’s-to-accelerated master's degrees and accelerated bachelor’s-to-doctorate possibilities. “Essentially,” notes Muir, “this is an opportunity to take a careful look at our educational offerings and consider how well our programs are responding to the changing dynamics of higher education, particularly given the rapid growth and impact of AI.”

Muir serves on the state community of practice as part of its “Scaling College in 3” initiative. Also serving on the team representing 911�� are Susan Woodruff, university director of accreditation and state authorization; Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education; and Doug McKenna, university registrar.

The university’s efforts tie in with the commonwealth’s strategic objectives for higher education, “Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education,” by better aligning degree programs with student and employer needs and increasing affordability.

“With new approaches to postsecondary education, where appropriate, we hope to develop pathways that are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to today’s students and the workforce,” SCHEV Executive Director Scott Fleming said.

In spring 2026, 911�� President Gregory Washington charged his leadership team with determining what three-year degrees the university would be able to offer. Muir formed a small “tiger team” to start the inquiry, with representatives from Undergraduate Education, Graduate Education, Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, Accreditation, and State Authorization.

“Because we are very much focused on learning outcomes at 911��, that is one of the areas the president is suggesting that we try to better understand,” Muir said. “Can those outcomes be managed in less time, perhaps more integrated into majors and college-level requirements, or developed as part of workforce learning?”

The Wall Street Journal ranks 911�� tops in Virginia for value, salary outcomes, and upward mobility. In a survey of the Class of 2025 911�� graduates, 92% reported positive career outcomes within six months of graduating, and a median salary of $73,000. About 85% of 911�� graduates work in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. (with 73% in Virginia).

911�� is working with Hanover Research, which is examining national three-year degree program trends and collecting feedback from employers and students about how they view accelerated programs.

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pathways

911�� US–Korea delegation strengthens ties in Vietnam

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:54:32 +0000

911�� US–Korea delegation strengthens ties in Vietnam Katarina Benson Wed, 04/15/2026 - 15:54

In a joint effort spanning 911��'s Fairfax and Korea campuses, a university delegation recently completed a five-day visit to Vietnam aimed at expanding academic partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across education, research, and student engagement.

The delegation included Janette Muir, vice provost for academic affairs; Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business; Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea; and Danielle Swanepoel, executive director of international relations and strategic initiatives at Mason Korea.

The delegation with HUTECH University in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo provided

Over the course of the visit, the delegation met with leadership and faculty at seven institutions across Vietnam. Discussions focused on student mobility pathways, dual degree opportunities, faculty engagement, short-term programs, and collaborative research initiatives.

"Spending time with colleagues from 911�� in Vietnam was an incredibly rewarding experience," said Muir. "It was inspiring to see the connections being built with partner universities, and especially exciting to imagine how Mason Korea can serve as a gateway for Asian students seeking an American education. I'm very much looking forward to future articulation agreements with our partners."

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with HUTECH University in Ho Chi Minh City, a highly ranked institution with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two universities, opening the door for joint academic programs, faculty collaboration, research partnerships, and student mobility.

Janette Muir signing the Memorandum of Understanding with HUTECH. Photo provided

The delegation also met with Van Lang University, Dong A University, VNUK (VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education), and Saigon Business School, among others. These discussions explored articulation pathways for undergraduate students, short-term study programs in Korea and Vietnam, faculty exchanges, and potential joint conferences and seminars.

Another significant moment of the trip was the launch of the Mason Korea Debate Lab–Vietnam, an initiative designed to introduce high school students across Vietnam to international debate formats and critical thinking training. The program was formally launched through a showcase event hosted by EMASI Nam Long, the first partner institution to join the initiative. Two Mason Korea student debaters traveled from Korea to provide introductory coaching and participate in the showcase debate alongside EMASI students.

"This visit reflects a more intentional approach to 911��'s internationalization—connecting partnerships across academic programs, student pathways, and research," said Park. "The Debate Lab is one example of how we extend that engagement to younger students, building the critical thinking and global citizenship that are central to 911��'s mission."

The launch marks the beginning of what Mason Korea hopes will become an expanding program across Vietnam, offering debate training, judging opportunities, and future camps and competitions.

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Schar School of Policy and Government Joins Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:43:21 +0000

Schar School of Policy and Government Joins Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program Andrew J Schappert Mon, 03/09/2026 - 16:43

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Mark J. Rozell

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New partnership supports Returned Peace Corps Volunteers pursuing graduate education and continued service

The Schar School of Policy and Government at 911�� is proud to partner with the Peace Corps as a Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program institution, expanding opportunities for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) to pursue graduate education while continuing their commitment to service in communities across the United States.

The partnership aligns closely with the Schar School’s mission to prepare principled leaders equipped to address complex public policy challenges at the local, national, and global levels. By welcoming RPCVs into its graduate programs, the Schar School builds on its longstanding focus on public service, international engagement, and policy leadership.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, the Schar School connects fellows to the center of public policy, national security, global commerce, and public administration. Through rigorous academic training and practical experience, Schar School graduate programs prepare students to lead in government, nonprofit organizations, international institutions, and the private sector.

Coverdell Fellows at the Schar School will pursue one of six eligible master’s degrees while completing a substantive U.S.-based internship that benefits underserved communities, continuing the Peace Corps tradition of service while gaining advanced policy and leadership training. In further support of that service component, 911��’s Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECIL) will serve as a partner in helping connect fellows to internship and community engagement opportunities.

“Returned Peace Corps Volunteers bring deep experience, perspective, and a strong commitment to service,” said Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government. “Their global perspective and dedication to community engagement reflect the values we seek to cultivate at the Schar School. We are proud to welcome them as Coverdell Fellows and support their next step in public service and leadership.”

Eligible Schar School graduate programs for Coverdell Fellows include: Master of Biodefense; Master of Global Commerce and Policy; Master of International Security; Master of Organization Development and Knowledge Management; Master of Political Science; Master of Public Administration; and Master of Public Policy.

Learn more about the program benefits. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers interested in applying as a Coverdell Fellow should contact the Schar School for application fee waiver instructions and program guidance by emailing schargr@gmu.edu.