Penn State Plans to Eliminate 47 Degree Programs

Penn State has finalized recommendations to close 47 low-enrollment degree programs as part of a multi-year review of its academic offerings, the university said on Monday.

The programs recommended for closure “due to low student demand, combined employment opportunity, program realignment and other factors” represent 11.66% of the university’s 403 baccalaureate and associate degree programs. A total of 784 students, or about 1.1% of Penn State’s 68,390 undergraduate population, are enrolled in the programs, and the university said it “will work closely with all students to be sure they can complete their degrees in a timely and supported manner.”

Nine of the programs currently have no enrolled students, and 15 already have submitted formal teach-out proposals or enrollment holds. Twenty-four programs would continue to be offered at the university through another college.

Ten are located at University Park, with the remaining 37 at Commonwealth Campuses.