SNU Announces New 90-Credit Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership

Southern Nazarene University’s HLC-approved program offers working adults a more focused path to graduation while maintaining the academic requirements and learning outcomes of a traditional bachelor’s degree.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Bethany, Okla.] — Southern Nazarene University (SNU) has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer a reduced-credit-hour Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, creating a more accessible and focused pathway to a bachelor’s degree for working adults.

The new 90-credit-hour program reduces the traditional 120-credit-hour requirement by 30 credits, primarily by reducing elective coursework. The revised curriculum preserves the program’s General Education requirements, Organizational Leadership major coursework, academic expectations, and learning outcomes.

Designed with adult learners in mind, the program addresses common barriers to completing a college degree, including the time and financial commitments of higher education. By focusing on essential coursework while reducing elective requirements, SNU offers students a more direct path to graduation without compromising academic quality.

“This development reflects the ongoing commitment to making higher education accessible, relevant, and responsive to the needs of working adults,” said Dr. Emir Ruiz Esparza, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Professional and Graduate Studies at SNU.

The Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership is designed for working adults pursuing their education, whether they are beginning their college journey or bringing previously earned college credits into the program. Eligible transfer credits are evaluated individually and may be applied toward degree requirements, giving students additional opportunities to build on their prior academic experience.

Students can typically complete the full program in two years, depending on transfer credits and individual circumstances. With 30 fewer required credit hours, the revised program also offers the potential for reduced overall educational costs.

The program maintains the same academic expectations and learning outcomes as the traditional 120-credit-hour format, preparing graduates for professional opportunities and future graduate education.

The new Organizational Leadership pathway reflects Southern Nazarene University’s continued commitment to providing adult learners with an academically strong, mission-centered education. By recognizing the many responsibilities working adults balance while pursuing their educational goals, SNU continues to create opportunities for students to advance their education and prepare for what comes next.

“SNU’s mission to 'make Christlike disciples through higher education' is at the center of this initiative, and the opportunity to offer an academically rigorous program with a shorter path to graduation is exciting and further demonstrates how SNU is ‘purposefully different,’” said Dr. Melissa Lewis, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Professional and Graduate Studies at SNU.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, please visit https://www.snu.edu/pgs/organizational-leadership.

About Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.