Penn State recommends closing 47 undergraduate degree programs

Penn State University has finalized recommendations to close 47 undergraduate degree programs as part of its Academic Portfolio and Program Review. The decision affects approximately 11.66% of the university’s 403 baccalaureate and associate degree programs. The university cited low student demand, employment opportunities, and program realignment as primary factors for the closures.

Approximately 784 undergraduate students, representing about 1.1% of the total undergraduate population, are currently enrolled in these programs. Nine of the recommended programs have no current students, while 15 have already submitted formal teach-out proposals or enrollment holds. To support affected students, the university stated it will develop teach-out plans to ensure they can complete their degrees in a timely and supported manner.

Of the 47 programs, 24 will continue to be offered through different colleges within the university. The closures are distributed across campuses, with 10 programs located at University Park and 37 at Commonwealth Campuses. The recommendations will be shared with the Faculty Senate for review before final decisions are made by Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos. Graduate programs are not affected by this review.