Reducing Time-to-Value
University College Dean's Office
Project Summary
Arizona State University is exploring new ways to make higher education more valuable, flexible, and aligned with today’s workforce needs. Through a feasibility study and planning grant, this project will examine how to redesign academic programs to both shorten the time it takes for students to see the benefits of their education (“time-to-value”) and increase the long-term value of their degree. The study will focus on two pilot programs and explore how stackable credentials—such as workforce certificates and other value-adding elements—can be integrated throughout a student’s academic journey. The goal is to create accelerated, modular degree pathways that enhance both economic opportunity and personal growth for students.
Project Manager
Kevin Correa
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Project Goals
Evaluate the Feasibility of Stackable, Accelerated Degree Pathways
Conduct a comprehensive study to determine how ASU can effectively implement modular, value-added degree structures within existing academic frameworks.Shorten the Time-to-Value for Students
Identify ways to reduce the time it takes for students to gain meaningful, marketable credentials that can be applied in the workforce while progressing toward a full degree.Enhance the Economic and Personal Value of Higher Education
Integrate workforce-relevant certificates and other credentials throughout academic programs to increase career readiness and lifelong learning outcomes.Design and Pilot Two Innovative Degree Pathways
Develop and test two academic programs that incorporate accelerated timelines and stackable credentials to serve as models for broader adoption.Align Academic Programs with Industry and Workforce Needs
Engage employers and industry partners to ensure the credentials and skills embedded in degree pathways are relevant and valued in the job market.Improve Accessibility and Flexibility for Diverse Learners
Build program structures that accommodate different life circumstances, career goals, and educational starting points, especially for non-traditional and underrepresented students.Establish a Scalable Framework for Broader Implementation
Use the findings and outcomes from the pilot to inform university-wide strategies for redesigning degree pathways across disciplines.Measure Impact and Inform Policy and Practice
Track outcomes such as time-to-degree, student satisfaction, and employment rates to assess success and share insights with higher education leaders and policymakers.