Ohio University to suspend 11 academic programs under new state law requirements: Here's what stays and goes

Ohio University is set to make major changes to its academic offerings as part of compliance with the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, a state mandate aimed at reducing duplication and improving efficiency across Ohio’s public colleges.

The university announced that it will suspend admissions to 11 academic programs, merge 18 others, and seek waivers for seven programs to continue.The restructuring comes amid a statewide review of degree programs to ensure alignment with workforce needs and financial sustainability.

Which programs will be suspended?

A total of 11 degree programs will no longer admit new students after state approval. These include several traditional liberal arts and applied science degrees:

While these programs are being phased out, the university emphasized that students can still pursue similar majors or minors in related areas.

Which programs will be merged?

Ohio University also plans to consolidate 18 programs with overlapping curricula to create streamlined degree tracks. This includes:

For instance, six separate Bachelor of Music degrees will now fall under one parent program with multiple concentrations, reducing redundancy while maintaining specialization.

Programs Ohio wants to keep

Despite the mandate, the university has filed seven waiver requests to retain programs that serve critical academic or workforce needs. These include:

Officials argue these programs align with job market demand or provide unique educational value that cannot be replicated through existing offerings.

Impact on current students and faculty

Current students will not face any disruptions due to the program suspensions or mergers. Those who are already enrolled or have declared majors in the affected programs will be able to complete their degrees according to the existing curriculum outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.The university has also indicated that there will be no immediate reductions in full-time faculty positions as part of this restructuring.

Faculty roles may be adjusted over time to align with the merged programs, but job security is not expected to be impacted at this stage.To assist students during the transition, comprehensive academic advising will be provided to help them understand degree requirements, course substitutions, and graduation timelines.

Why is this happening?

The changes are part of the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, which requires public institutions to review and rationalise academic offerings to prevent duplication, cut costs, and focus on high-demand fields.

The law reflects a broader national trend of academic consolidation amid declining enrollments and budget pressures.If you’re planning to apply to Ohio University in the coming years, you’ll still find a wide range of majors available, but some specialised tracks will now exist as concentrations under broader programs rather than standalone degrees. Applicants are advised to check the latest Undergraduate Catalog and consult with admissions counselors for updated options.