By AZE.US
The proposed reform could allow students to graduate earlier and reduce education costs, but experts warn that shorter programs would not suit every field.
Azerbaijan is considering reducing the standard length of bachelor’s degree programs from four years to three.
The proposal was introduced by lawmaker Fariz Ismayilzade during a meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament’s Science and Education Committee.
Ismayilzade noted that three-year bachelor’s programs have long been common in many European countries under the Bologna education system. He also pointed to similar initiatives being introduced by universities in the United States, including American University in Washington.
According to the lawmaker, Azerbaijan’s higher education system needs greater flexibility to respond more quickly to changing labor market demands, develop new academic programs and update existing curricula.
Under the proposed model, students could receive their degrees and enter the workforce one year earlier. Families could also save money on tuition, housing and other expenses associated with university education.
Students interviewed about the proposal expressed mixed views. Some argued that the quality and intensity of a program are more important than its formal length, noting that a well-designed three-year course could provide stronger training than a weak four-year program.
Others said retaining the four-year system would give students more time to develop academic knowledge and professional skills.
One possible compromise would be to introduce three years of classroom instruction followed by a mandatory internship, giving students practical experience before graduation.
Education experts stressed that the change should not be applied uniformly across all disciplines. Before shortening degree programs, universities would need to revise their curricula, reduce nonessential courses and determine how much time is required to prepare qualified specialists in each field.
Three-year bachelor’s programs could potentially be introduced in the natural and social sciences, education, economics, accounting and some computer-related fields.
However, experts said shorter programs may be inappropriate for medicine, law and certain engineering disciplines, where students require extensive theoretical instruction, laboratory work and professional training.
The key issue, specialists argue, is not simply how many years students spend at university, but whether graduates acquire the knowledge and practical skills required by employers. If the proposal advances, authorities will have to determine which degree programs can be shortened without compromising educational standards.
AZE.US