Would earning a bachelor’s degree more quickly and saving up to 25% on tuition make college more affordable for you?
Beginning in Fall 2025, JWU Online launched three 100% online, accredited 90-91-credit bachelor’s degree programs in Computer Science, Hospitality Management and Criminal Justice. These programs are designed to help students save time, reduce costs and accelerate their careers, while receiving the same quality of education provided by the traditionally required 120-121-credit degrees.
Prior to offering this degree option, JWU consulted with our industry partners who told us they believe the 90-credit bachelor’s degrees will effectively prepare graduates for the workforce.
James E. Samels President and CEO of The Education Alliance, with associates Arlene L. Lieberman and. Aaron Fox (Boston Business Journal, February 2026) congratulated JWU, “Hats off to Johnson & Wales University on its pioneering three-year 90-credit bachelor’s in computer science, criminal justice…and hospitality management.”
Samels and his associates believe, “What’s in it for students is a dramatic cost reduction and accelerated time to completion. Importantly, this enables more students to pursue graduate degrees and post-graduate research.
“Increasingly, fast-track completion will be seen as a positive attribute by employers. These businesses and industries will be attracted to the go-getters and the ones that get up early and stay late. These aspirants love what they do.”
Hospitality Management
JWU Online’s 90-credit Hospitality Management bachelor’s degree program combines JWU’s legacy strengths in business and hospitality to prepare students for long-term, sustainable careers managing hotels and resorts, directing food and beverage, leading sustainable tourism and managing revenue.
This new 90-credit degree option “allows students to customize their educational paths for their career goals,” according to Michael O’Malley, Director of Academic Programs: Hospitality, CFIT, and Engineering.
Bryan Lavin, Associate Professor, International Travel & Tourism Studies adds, “For students who understand their place in the industry and need the degree to level up, the 90-credit option is perfect!”
Valerie Cook ’27, B.S. – Hospitality Management enrolled because, “The university’s reputation really stood out to me. The 90-credit hospitality program was a perfect fit for where I was academically. I transferred previous college credits, so the accelerated program will allow me to finish my degree in about two years rather than starting over.”
Currently working as a Night Auditor for a hotel in North Carolina, Cook’s long-term goal is to become a hotel auditor for Forbes Travel Guide. She shares, “The Hospitality Management program has helped me gain a broader global awareness of the travel and hospitality industry, and it continues to strengthen the knowledge and perspective I’ll need to reach that goal.
“The courses I’ve taken have exposed me to topics such as developed and developing countries, entrepreneurship, sustainability, ethics, and cultural differences. One of the biggest advantages is that it allows you to explore many different areas of hospitality while gaining real-world experience. Discovering what you’re truly passionate about before committing to a specific career path is valuable before building a long-term career.
“Every professor I’ve had has been hospitable, understanding, and flexible. They are knowledgeable, empathetic and responsive whenever I’ve needed assistance. The program has definitely met my expectations. I absolutely recommend both the program and the university.”
Computer Science
Harry Ryan, Director of Academic Programs, Liberal Arts and Science for JWU Online explains, “Our 91-credit Computer Science bachelor’s degree program offers an exceptional path for students looking to thrive in the ever-changing tech industry. Students in the 91-credit career-focused option receive the same rigorous, hands-on education led by experienced faculty who have been teaching on campus.
“Our goal is to not only teach you the technical aspects of computer science. but also provide opportunities for you to apply your learning. At JWU Online, our students are equipped with the tools and experiences needed to fast-track their careers and succeed in today’s tech-driven world.”
Skills for a Tech-Driven World
Professor Charles DeSassure, DSC, who contributed to the curriculum development of the 91-credit Computer Service degree, adds, “The online computer science program is regarded for its practical, hands-on activities that demand students develop and learn critical thinking skills, which facilitate their ability to solve problems. While course offerings are pared down from the 121-credit program to fit into 91 credits in three years, both programs are continually adding courses that address emerging trends in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing and other technologies, ensuring students develop skills that meet the industry’s changing needs.”
“The Computer Science curriculum is innovative in how it reflects the current workforce industry needs. Besides the foundation’s courses, students complete a course in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing to Scale, and Human-Computer Interaction/Usable Security, which is particularly important as it focuses on how users interact with security systems. The aim is to prevent threats to user security and privacy. Many computer science programs do not offer these courses, so this makes JWU unique.”
Jordan Charles ’28, B.S. – Computer Science explains his rationale for enrolling in the 91-credit Computer Science program. “I chose the three-year Computer Science program because I wanted to get my degree done so that I can get into the field sooner.
“It’s been a tough program, but it has helped me keep my head in the game and develop skills that I know I will use in my career. My dream job is to work as a software engineer because I really want to be involved in building potential apps that can make a difference in people’s lives.”
Charles always enjoyed figuring out how tech works and finding creative, efficient ways of solving problems. Charles looks forward to being challenged as a student and long-term in his career. “I’m glad I took this path. Being able to earn my degree online and over a shorter period has been a huge advantage in making my schedule more convenient and in being able to maintain my close relationship with family.”
Criminal Justice
“The Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program at JWU is distinguished by its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement,” explains Professor Paul Sylvestre, Ph.D., Criminal Justice Department Chair. “Our industry-experienced faculty guide students through a holistic understanding and appreciation of criminal justice, which includes hands-on experiences in forensic analysis and crime scene processing, ensuring they graduate with the skills and insights necessary to make a positive impact in the field.”
Sylvestre emphasizes, “The one thing that students will recognize right away is the passion and enthusiasm that the faculty have for what they’re doing. All of the faculty members teaching in the Criminal Justice program have extensive experience working in the industry.”
Sylvestre sees the Criminal Justice program as “almost like a Swiss army knife.”
“If you’re considering the Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program,” Sylvestre explains, “It’s important to understand that we’re not a police academy. While many of our students do want to go into a career in law enforcement, a sizable portion of our students want nothing to do with policing or with law enforcement.”
“Students come with diverse aspirations, and we are able to prepare them for whatever career path they want to pursue, with faculty who have experience in those areas. All students will be able to get a basic understanding of criminal justice, and how it relates to other disciplines, other majors, other factions of society — not just the isolated silo of criminal justice.”
“The online programs have the same academic rigor and expectations as the on-campus classes.”
Sylvestre asserts, “I believe Johnson & Wales University’s reputation speaks for itself. Look at who is teaching these courses — the faculty’s education and experience. We are going to provide those remote yet practical experiences for adult learners who work full time but want to pursue their education and earn a criminal justice degree.”
Stephen Riccitelli, Lecturer in the Criminal Justice program agrees, “A Criminal Justice degree at JWU is not limited to those pursuing careers in law enforcement. The field offers diverse career opportunities in areas such as forensics, psychology, law, and more, making a Criminal Justice degree from Johnson & Wales a valuable asset across multiple professions.”
JWU Online Students Are Supported Throughout Their Programs
The 90 and 91-credit degrees offer the same rigorous, real-world preparation for your future career, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. Our admissions and student advising teams provide personalized assistance throughout your program so that you have a plan that puts you on a path to success.
George Stinson, ’28, B.S. – Hospitality Management notes, “After 30+ years in hospitality, when I decided to return to academics, JWU felt like the right place. The 90-credit Hospitality Management program and the reputation of the school really drew me in. I’d already completed undergrad credits and liked the idea of finishing in the shorter time frame, so it’s a great fit. From help with collecting transcripts to the outreach from academics, financial aid, and the Work Integrated Learning advisors, I’ve felt attended to every step of the way.”
Who Should Consider A 90-91-Credit Bachelor’s Degree
Johnson & Wales Chancellor Mim L. Runey, LP.D. acknowledges that a 90-91-credit degree program is not for everyone. “The program is really designed for the student who absolutely knows what they want to do and who may already be laser-focused on a particular career or pathway.”
Unlike most accelerated degree programs in which students are attempting to complete 120-credits in three years, students in these career-focused programs take a regular semester load of classes during the academic year. With fewer electives, students can focus on their major. In lieu of the fewer electives, students will complete 600 hours of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), which allows students to gain real-world experience while completing their degree. With support from faculty, advisors and Experiential Education & Career Services, WIL can be fulfilled through activities that build work skills, including part-time employment, internships, job shadowing and completing certificates.
For students who want to explore different career paths or delve more deeply into their discipline, JWU Online will continue to offer the traditional 120-121-credit programs for Hospitality Management, Computer Science and Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree programs. Our admissions associates can discuss which program is right for you.
Are You A Career-Focused Go-Getter?
Johnson & Wales University Online offers 100% online three year/90-91-credit bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management, Computer Science and Criminal Justice. For more information about enrolling at JWU Online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].