The proposed bill aims to establish a new section in the North Dakota Century Code that introduces the concept of a "North Dakota accelerated degree" specifically for high-demand occupations. Under this legislation, state-controlled higher education institutions are authorized to offer these accelerated degrees as alternatives to traditional degrees. The institutions will have the discretion to identify which degrees qualify as preparing students for high-demand jobs, provide a list of these degrees to relevant occupational and professional boards, and notably, they will not require students to complete general education credits for these accelerated degrees.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that when an individual applies for a professional license in a high-demand occupation, the relevant occupational or professional board must recognize the North Dakota accelerated degree as an accredited program for licensing purposes. This recognition aims to streamline the process for graduates seeking to enter the workforce in critical fields, thereby addressing labor market needs more effectively.