The action at OU came as state regents examined 357 programs across Oklahoma's public colleges and universities that they classified as "low-producing." Systemwide, officials approved 41 program terminations, 21 suspensions and kept 193 programs contingent on action plans to boost enrollment.
Another 102 low-producing programs will continue without conditions because they were deemed "low-cost" or "shared-cost," with 80% focused on STEM fields, according to a state regents press release.
Sean Burrage, chancellor for the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, framed the review as a strategic response to changing student and workforce demands.
"By phasing out programs that no longer meet student or workforce needs and shielding programs in STEM and other crucial fields, we are ensuring that public higher education remains future-focused and responsive," Burrage said.
At OU's Norman campus, 14 programs will be eliminated, including doctoral and master's degrees in French, a master's in German, and bachelor's degrees in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, geography and plant biology. Other terminated programs include a master's in drama, bachelor's in piano pedagogy, and graduate degrees in interdisciplinary programs.
Two programs at OU's Health Sciences Campus will also be eliminated: master's degrees in communication sciences and disorders, and rehabilitation sciences.
