Penn State Behrend Reviews Undergraduate Program Offerings
A new university review recommends closing three undergraduate programs at the Harborcreek Township campus.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Higher Education
Live Poll
Should universities prioritize maintaining broad academic program variety over administrative cost-cutting measures?
Pennsylvania State University released its Academic Portfolio and Program Review findings, outlining 43 total recommendations for its Behrend campus. The report calls for the closure of three specific undergraduate programs.
Why it matters
The review serves as a strategic assessment of the academic offerings at the campus, categorizing programs for either maintenance, promotion, closure, or further evaluation.
The university issued 43 total recommendations regarding the future of various undergraduate programs. Three programs were selected for closure, while 10 additional programs at the Behrend campus will undergo a secondary review in one year.
The players
Pennsylvania State University
A major public research university that operates multiple campuses across Pennsylvania.
Penn State Behrend
A satellite campus of the university system located in Harborcreek Township.
The details
The university conducted this comprehensive Academic Portfolio and Program Review to evaluate the viability and alignment of its undergraduate offerings. Options for programs ranged from full closure to promotion and maintenance.
Timeline
The university released its final program review recommendations in fall 2026.
Ten undergraduate programs are scheduled for a secondary assessment in October 2027.
Culture Shift
This decision follows the institution-wide Academic Portfolio and Program Review process initiated to evaluate degree program sustainability. Universities are increasingly applying data-driven metrics to prune academic offerings in response to shifting student demographics.
Students currently enrolled in programs slated for closure may need to evaluate their academic paths or transfer requirements. Residents and local stakeholders should monitor forthcoming university announcements regarding specific program phase-outs.
The takeaway
The university is prioritizing a leaner academic portfolio through these systematic reviews. Students are encouraged to stay updated on university communications regarding future program status changes.
What happens next
Ten programs at the Penn State Behrend campus are slated to undergo a secondary academic review in October 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the current landscape of Higher Education at the local and national levels.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Go Erie.
Live Poll
Should universities prioritize maintaining broad academic program variety over administrative cost-cutting measures?
