Jul 7, 2026 By Karen Mansfield 3 min read

PennWest University has finalized a restructuring of its academic programs, which will go into effect in the upcoming fall semester across its campuses in California, Clarion and Edinboro, as well as its Global Online campus.

The changes include realigning programs and adding dozens of work-focused certificates and credentials, while cutting other majors and minors.

The updated program array offers more than 277 academic pathways and credentials, including 43 bachelor’s degree programs, 30 master’s and doctoral programs, 50 undergraduate certificates and 46 new programs, concentrations and credentials.

PennWest has added new pathways in high-demand fields such as nursing, healthcare, engineering, technology and education. 

PennWest said the redesigned slate aims to prepare students for an evolving workforce and expand their opportunities. 

Faculty, academic leaders, staff and students spent more than a year reviewing enrollment patterns, student outcomes, employer expectations and emerging industry needs to come up with offerings that “remain relevant, responsive and aligned with student and workforce demands,” officials said.  

“Every element of this academic array was designed with students in mind,” said Dr. Kristy Bishop, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Whether students are exploring their interests, preparing for graduate school or entering the workforce, they’ll find more opportunities to personalize their education while gaining the knowledge and experience employers value.”

Undergraduate certificates of note are in forensic science, Artificial Intelligence and machine Learning, and information science, as well as health-related certificates in pre-athletic training, pre-dentistry, pre-occupational therapy, pre-pharmacy, and pre-physician assistant.

Said Penn West President Dr. Jon Anderson, ”The redesigned academic array positions us to better serve today’s learners while preparing them for evolving careers and industries. Our commitment remains to provide high-quality academic offerings, meaningful career preparation and pathways to success that help students achieve their goals.”  

The university will cut four bachelor’s degree programs, two associate degree programs, three master’s level degree programs, 34 minors and 28 certificates.

Majors that no longer will be offered include digital media technology, commercial music technology, theater, and legal studies. Also cut were graduate programs in athletic training, corporate communications, legal studies, and professional accountancy. PennWest pared its minors available from 73 to 38, and a number of minors that have been cut will be offered as certificate programs.

Students in those programs will be able to complete their degrees, however.

Central to the redesign is PennWest’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to Keystone Experiences — internships, clinical placements, undergraduate research projects, leadership programs and other hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning directly to career preparation.

“This is about opening doors for students,” said James Fisher, outgoing interim provost at PennWest who starts serving as interim vice chancellor and chief academic officer at the State System of Higher Education. “The academic array is designed to help students pursue their interests while gaining the experience needed to succeed in meaningful careers. Every decision was guided by student success, workforce relevance and academic quality.”