December 9, 2025

Oklahoma State Regents Terminate 16 Degree Programs at OU

News Summary

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have voted to terminate 16 degree programs at the University of Oklahoma, citing low enrollment and a lack of relevance to workforce demands. Additionally, 3 programs have been suspended for curriculum restructuring. OU plans to develop teach-out plans for current students in affected programs while reviewing the viability of suspended offerings. This initiative aims to align academic programs with economic needs, ensuring the quality of education across Oklahoma’s public universities.

Oklahoma State Regents Terminate 16 OU Degree Programs

Norman, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have approved the termination of 16 degree programs and the suspension of 3 others at the University of Oklahoma (OU). This decision follows a comprehensive review of academic offerings across the state’s public institutions, aiming to enhance program quality and align with workforce demands.

Program Terminations and Suspensions

The State Regents’ recent actions include:

Termination of 16 Degree Programs: These programs have been discontinued due to low enrollment and limited relevance to current workforce needs.
Suspension of 3 Degree Programs: These programs are temporarily paused to allow for curriculum restructuring and to assess their viability in the evolving educational landscape.

Institutional Response and Future Plans

OU has committed to developing teach-out plans for students currently enrolled in the terminated programs, ensuring they can complete their degrees within a reasonable timeframe. The university is also undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the suspended programs to determine their future within the academic portfolio.

Background and Context

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to review and optimize academic programs across the state’s public colleges and universities. The goal is to phase out programs that no longer meet student or workforce needs while preserving those that address critical areas such as engineering, education, computer science, and health professions. This approach aims to ensure that Oklahoma’s higher education system remains responsive to the evolving demands of the state’s economy and job market.

Key Features of the Program Changes

Action	Details
Termination of 16 Degree Programs	Discontinuation of programs due to low enrollment and limited relevance to current workforce needs.
Suspension of 3 Degree Programs	Temporary pause to allow for curriculum restructuring and assessment of program viability.
Institutional Response	Development of teach-out plans for affected students and comprehensive evaluation of suspended programs.
Broader Initiative	Review and optimization of academic programs across Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities to align with workforce demands.

Conclusion

The Oklahoma State Regents’ recent decisions reflect a responsive approach to educational offerings at the University of Oklahoma, focusing on the alignment of academic programs with current workforce needs. By streamlining academic offerings, the State Regents aim to enhance the quality and relevance of education in Oklahoma, thereby positioning the state’s students for success in a competitive job market. The community is encouraged to stay informed about further developments and explore the numerous educational opportunities available across Oklahoma’s public institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which degree programs at the University of Oklahoma have been terminated?

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have approved the termination of 16 degree programs at the University of Oklahoma. These programs have been discontinued due to low enrollment and limited relevance to current workforce needs.

What does the suspension of 3 degree programs entail?

The suspension of 3 degree programs means that these programs are temporarily paused to allow for curriculum restructuring and to assess their viability in the evolving educational landscape.

How will current students be affected by these program changes?

Why are these program terminations and suspensions occurring?

These actions are part of a broader effort by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to review and optimize academic programs across the state’s public colleges and universities. The goal is to phase out programs that no longer meet student or workforce needs while preserving those that address critical areas such as engineering, education, computer science, and health professions.

What is the broader goal of this initiative?

The broader goal is to ensure that Oklahoma’s higher education system remains responsive to the evolving demands of the state’s economy and job market, thereby enhancing program quality and aligning with workforce needs.