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Board approves UNO program eliminations and several new majors, while asking about student transitions and budget impacts
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Summary
The Board of Regents approved elimination of underperforming UNO programs (BA in art history, BA in religious studies, Center for Innovation in Arts Education) and authorized converting multiple UNO concentrations into 120‑credit BS majors plus two 15‑credit certificates; regents pressed campus leaders on timelines for students, marketing, accreditation and hidden costs.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Feb. 6 approved multiple academic changes at the University of Nebraska at Omaha intended to clarify degree labels for employers and students.
The board voted to eliminate the bachelor of arts in art history and the bachelor of arts in religious studies and to close the Center for Innovation in Arts Education (CIAE). Administrators said the programs no longer met Nebraska Coordinating Commission thresholds and that current students will be offered transition plans to complete degrees or move into related concentrations.
The board also approved a package converting UNO concentrations in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resource management, logistics and supply chain, management leadership and marketing into 120‑credit Bachelor of Science majors and establishing two 15‑credit online certificates in integrated leadership and operational leadership. Campus officials said the transitions require no immediate additional campus funding and will improve clarity and transferability for students.
Regents pressed campus leaders on what constitutes a "reasonable time" for students to finish discontinued programs and on the claim that the changes carry "no cost." Chancellor and academic leaders said they have student‑centered advising and transition plans and that, while initial curriculum changes don't require new funding, enrollment growth could require additional faculty or budget adjustments; UNO projected tuition gains for some majors but regents emphasized communicating changes to employers.
Why it matters: Degree naming affects student marketability, transferability and accreditation considerations. Regents sought assurances that the board's actions would not disadvantage enrolled students.
What comes next: UNO administrators will implement transition plans and advise affected students; the board's approval allows the campuses to proceed with program changes and certificate implementation.
