Introducing 3-Credits at Alma 

WRITER: Nayonikaa Singhaal

Alma College will transition from its long-standing four-credit course model to a three-credit system beginning in Fall ’26, marking one of the most significant academic changes on campus in decades. This was announced by Provost Burke and this shift aligns Alma with the majority of colleges in Michigan and across the country.  

Under the new structure, most courses will carry three credits, and the graduation requirement will move from 136 credits to 120 credits for incoming freshmen. One-credit courses, such as music lessons and certain activities, will remain, and some two-credit courses will still be offered where appropriate. 

The current four-credit system dates back to the 1970s, and administrators now explained that updating it reflects how most institutions now structure their academic programs. One of the main motivations behind the change is to simplify the transfer process.  

In the past, students bringing in credits from other institutions often faced confusing credit conversions. Under the new model, a three-credit course taken elsewhere will transfer in as three credits at Alma, eliminating what Provost Burke described as “weird math” in the registrar’s office. 

We’re not asking you to produce a different amount of work for your degree, the numbers are changing, not the education,” said Dr. Sean Burke, Provost of Alma College 

Administrators emphasized that several key elements will not change. Courses students have already completed will remain at their original credit values, and nothing on current transcripts will be altered. Tuition will not increase because of this adjustment, and class meeting times are expected to stay largely the same.  

However, overload charges will now begin at 17 credits instead of 18, and students will be encouraged to think in terms of earning 30 credits per academic year to stay on track for graduation. 

“Since I’m just starting out, it actually makes it easier to understand where I stand. The idea of hitting 30 credits a year is simple and clear,” said JJ Bizon(’29). 

Certain groups of students may experience clear benefits. STEM, nursing, and education majors will now receive separate credit for labs, meaning a course could be structured as three credits for lecture and one credit for lab.  

“If this helps with grad school applications and makes transcripts clearer, that’s a positive. I just think strong advising will be really important during the transition,” said Nayeli Santana-Venegas(’27). 

Graduate schools often prefer to see lab credit explicitly listed on transcripts, making this change potentially advantageous. Students heavily involved in music and performing arts may also find that their one-credit courses fit more naturally into their overall credit totals without pushing them into overload status as easily. 

“I get why the college is doing it, especially for transfer students, but it’s still stressful when numbers change. Even if they say nothing major is different, it feels different,” said Kenley Riley(‘’28), a sophomore at Alma College. 

While change often creates anxiety, administrators stressed that the amount of academic work required to earn an Alma degree is not being reduced or increased. As the transition begins, students are encouraged to meet with their advisors and plan ahead to ensure they remain on track for graduation.