§15–117.

    (a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the standard number of credits required for a baccalaureate degree from a public senior higher education institution is 120 credit hours.

        (2)    The standard number of credits required under paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if:

            (i)    The degree program is defined as a 5–year baccalaureate program;

            (ii)    Professional accreditation requires a higher number of credit hours or requires course work that cannot be completed in 120 credits; or

            (iii)    Certification requirements result in a need for credit hours in excess of 120.

    (b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, beginning with fall 2015, the standard number of credits required for an associate’s degree from a public community college is 60 credit hours.

        (2)    The standard number of credits required under paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if:

            (i)    The degree program is defined as more than a 2–year associate’s degree;

            (ii)    Professional accreditation requires a higher number of credit hours or requires course work that cannot be completed in 60 credits; or

            (iii)    Certification requirements result in a need for credit hours in excess of 60.

        (3)    A public community college shall consider a course or program for English as a second language or English language learner as eligible for either world language or humanities credit, or both, toward a student’s associate’s degree if the course is not classified by the public community college as a remedial course.

    (c)    The governing board of a public institution of higher education, in consultation with the Commission, may approve additional exceptions to the credit hour requirements under subsections (a) and (b) of this section.