A. The Board of Regents, in collaboration with the Statewide Articulation and Transfer Council, shall develop, coordinate, and maintain transfer pathways for baccalaureate programs that are highly demanded across the state. The Board of Regents shall define and identify highly demanded programs.

            B. Each transfer pathway shall consist of sixty hours of instruction that can be transferred and applied toward the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a highly demanded program at a four-year public postsecondary institution.

            C. Each transfer pathway shall contain courses from the common course numbering system, developed pursuant to La. Rev. Stat. 17:3164, that satisfy graduation requirements for an associate of arts or an associate of science degree approved by the council for transfer to a four-year postsecondary institution.

            D. All courses in a transfer pathway shall transfer and apply toward the general education requirements and requirements for graduation within the highly demanded program offered at any four-year public postsecondary institution.

            E. A student who completes all of the requirements of a transfer pathway and who transfers to a highly demanded program at a four-year public postsecondary institution shall not be required to complete more than the total credits required for the baccalaureate degree in the highly demanded program, less the sixty hours of credit earned in the transfer pathway.

            F. Credit for a course in a transfer pathway that is included in the statewide common course numbering system may be earned through accelerated programs such as dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College-Level Examination Program, and competency-based education, or prior learning assessment that have been deemed equivalent by the Board of Regents.

            Acts 2022, No. 308, §1, eff. June 10, 2022.