PennWest's academic program array is the university's complete portfolio of academic offerings, including bachelor's degrees, graduate programs, certificates, minors and concentrations. The updated array expands opportunities for students, increases flexibility and aligns academic offerings with workforce needs, student interests and emerging career opportunities.

The academic review was designed to ensure PennWest's programs align with:

• Workforce demand
• Employer expectations
• Student interests
• Enrollment trends
• Long-term academic sustainability

The review also included feedback from more than 1,300 students, faculty and academic leaders.

The process took more than a year and involved extensive collaboration among faculty, staff, administrators and students.

Student perspectives were an important part of the review process. More than 1,300 students, faculty and academic leaders provided feedback that helped inform the final academic array. Student input helped identify priorities related to flexibility, career preparation and experiential learning opportunities.

Yes. Faculty played a central role throughout the review process. The academic array was developed through extensive collaboration among faculty, academic leaders, staff and students. Faculty expertise helped inform recommendations, evaluate opportunities and shape the final academic portfolio.

Higher education, workforce needs and student expectations continue to evolve. PennWest regularly reviews its academic offerings to ensure students have access to relevant, high-quality programs that prepare them for meaningful careers and purposeful lives.

The updated academic array positions the university for long-term strength while expanding opportunities for students.

The academic array reflects PennWest’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students, employers and communities. By expanding pathways, increasing flexibility and strengthening experiential learning opportunities, PennWest is positioning itself to serve future generations of learners while remaining true to its mission of opportunity and student success.

Yes. PennWest is dedicated to supporting current students throughout the implementation of the new academic array. Faculty advisors and academic support teams are here to ensure students can complete their degrees and confidently navigate any program changes.

Current students will continue to receive personalized advising and ongoing support throughout implementation. PennWest is committed to ensuring every student can complete their academic programs without interruption and stay on track for graduation.

Academic advisors will partner directly with students to answer questions and provide guidance on new opportunities available through the academic array, ensuring each student remains well supported.

No. PennWest is committed to helping students complete their degree requirements and graduate on time. Faculty advisors and academic support teams will work closely with students throughout implementation.

Current students should work with their academic advisor to understand available options and opportunities. PennWest is committed to helping students identify the pathway that best supports their educational and career goals.

Yes. Many PennWest degree programs now include embedded certificates that allow students to earn additional credentials while working toward their degree.

Stackable credentials are certificates or other academic achievements that can build toward a larger degree program. They allow students to gain workforce-relevant skills while progressing toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree.

The finalized academic program array will be implemented beginning in Fall 2026.

PennWest offers more than 277 academic pathways and credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, master’s and doctoral programs, certificates, concentrations and minors.

The updated academic array includes:

• 43 bachelor's degree programs
• 30 master's and doctoral programs
• 50 undergraduate certificates, up from 20
• 38 minors
• 46 new academic programs, concentrations and credentials

Additional enhancements include:

• New majors and concentrations in emerging and high-demand fields
• Expanded certificate and credential offerings
• Additional interdisciplinary pathways and academic combinations
• Expanded opportunities for transfer, adult and nontraditional learners
• Increased integration of experiential learning throughout the curriculum

The academic array was designed to give students more flexibility, more opportunities and stronger connections between academic learning and career success.

Students will benefit from:

• More ways to personalize their educational experience
• Greater flexibility to combine programs, minors and credentials
• Additional opportunities to earn career-relevant certificates while completing a degree
• More hands-on learning through internships, research, and clinical placements
• Stronger connections between academic programs and workforce opportunities
• Clearer pathways to graduation and career preparation

Ultimately, the academic array creates more opportunities for students to pursue their interests, gain relevant experience and graduate prepared for meaningful careers and lifelong success.

PennWest welcomes transfer students from community colleges and other institutions. The university offers transfer pathways, prior-credit evaluation and advising support designed to help students maximize previously earned credits and continue progressing toward their academic and career goals.

Yes. PennWest continues to offer on-campus, hybrid and online learning opportunities through its campuses in California, Clarion and Edinboro, as well as PennWest Global Online.

PennWest’s academic review focused on creating a stronger, more flexible academic portfolio for students. As part of that process, some programs were consolidated, redesigned or phased out while new majors, concentrations and credentials were added.

The result is an academic array that provides students with more opportunities, greater flexibility and stronger connections to career pathways.

Experiential learning allows PennWest students to apply classroom knowledge through direct experience, reflection and practical application. Opportunities include internships and work-based learning; research, creative work and capstone projects; community-engaged learning; leadership and student involvement; global learning; and student employment.

These experiences may be part of a course, academic program, campus job or co-curricular opportunity and help students develop skills that prepare them for their careers and communities.

The updated academic structure emphasizes career-connected learning, experiential education and programs aligned with high-demand industries such as healthcare, nursing, technology, engineering and education.

In addition to career preparation, students will continue developing critical thinking, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills that support lifelong success.

No. PennWest remains committed to providing a comprehensive university education grounded in academic excellence.

The academic array strengthens career-connected learning while continuing to emphasize critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and other foundational skills that prepare students for lifelong success.

PennWest combines the resources of a comprehensive public university with flexible learning options, career-focused programs, personalized support and experiential learning opportunities designed to help students achieve meaningful careers and lives of purpose.

The university’s multi-campus structure and Global Online offerings provide students with access to a broad range of academic opportunities while maintaining strong connections to faculty, staff and campus communities.

PennWest believes workforce relevance and academic excellence go hand in hand. Students need both technical expertise and the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills that prepare them for long-term success.

The academic array reflects PennWest’s commitment to providing an education that is both academically rigorous and professionally relevant.