2026 Program Changes FAQ
In response to shifts in the competitive landscape and enrollment patterns, the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) is making changes to its academic programs to better align with labor market demands and prospective student expectations.
Students in programs affected by these changes have been contacted by email. The following questions and answers are intended to provide additional information for affected students.
Discontinued Programs FAQ
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What does it mean that a program of study is being discontinued?
Discontinued programs will no longer admit students after summer 2026, but they are not closing immediately. Students admitted or enrolled in a program as of summer 2026 will be able to complete their program of study. Required classes in discontinued majors or programs will be scheduled to accommodate program completion. We are committed to supporting current students through program completion.
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If I’m in a program of study that’s being discontinued, will I be able to finish my degree or certificate?
In a word, yes. Programs will not be closed immediately, and we are committed to ensuring that you complete your degree or certificate.
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Do I need to be enrolled in order to continue my studies in a program that’s being discontinued?
You must retain your active student status to continue your studies in a program that’s being discontinued.
- For students admitted in Summer 2026 to a discontinuing program, this means actively enrolling in a summer 2026 class and retaining active status thereafter.
- For students admitted prior to Summer 2026 to a discontinuing program, active status means being continuously enrolled with no more than a semester break. After summer 2026, please contact your academic advisors to discuss options if you are not able to enroll in a semester.
If you don’t retain your continuing status as a student, you will be unable to continue your discontinued program of study and will be required to reapply to a new program.
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Which programs of study are being discontinued?
Effective April 16, 2026 (following the summer application deadline), we will stop accepting applications for the following programs.
Undergraduate Programs
In the Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies (BSPS) the following majors will be discontinued:
- Major in HR Management
- Major in Information Security
- Major in IT Management
- Major in Paralegal Studies
Among Post-Bachelor’s Certificates the following will be discontinued:
- CAS in Information Systems
- CAS in Information Security
- CAS in Paralegal Studies
Graduate Programs
We will discontinue both Nonprofit Studies program options:
- Master of Nonprofit Studies (MNS)
- Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Studies
In the HR Management program, the Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) will be discontinued.
Additionally, the following concentrations in the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) will be discontinued:
- Concentration in Data Analytics
- Concentration in Organizational Leadership
- Concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies
MLA applications that don’t specify a concentration will continue to be accepted.
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Why are you discontinuing certain programs of study?
Academic programs are periodically reviewed to ensure they align with student demand, workforce needs, and institutional priorities. Based on our most recent review, the decision was made to discontinue certain programs.
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If my program of study is being discontinued, will that affect my current aid?
Financial aid eligibility typically remains unchanged, but students should consult the Office of Financial Aid to review individual circumstances. However, the new Certificate of Applied Studies (CAS) in Information Systems and Cybersecurity has not yet received approval for Title IV aid from the federal government. Until approval is received, students enrolling in this program will not be eligible for aid. We do not yet have an estimate for when the programs will be approved.
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If my program of study is being discontinued, will I have the option to switch to a new program?
Contact your academic advisor by email to determine whether switching to a new program may be an option for you.
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Whom should I contact if I have specific questions about my degree plan?
Your should contact your academic advisor by email for personalized guidance and planning
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Will I continue to receive academic and career support in a program of study that’s being discontinued?
Yes. Students in discontinued programs will continue to have access to academic advising, career services, and other student support resources, including services provided by the Weinstein Learning Center.
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Can new students apply to discontinued programs of study?
Yes, but the Summer 2026 term will be the last term we will accept new students into any of our discontinuing programs. The deadline for admission to summer programs is April 15, 2026. Start an application today.
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Will my degree or transcript indicate that the program of study was discontinued?
No. Degrees earned will appear the same as any other completed major.
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How is SPCS supporting current students during this transition?
SPCS is committed to supporting its adult learners in discontinuing programs through clear communication, proactive advising, and pathways to degree completion.
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What if I have general questions about these new or discontinued programs of study?
We’re hosting a Dean’s Town Hall on Feb. 19 for current and recently inactive degree-seeking students. Affected students will receive an invitation to attend via email. If you’re not yet a student but would be interested in learning more about our current and new academic programs, please attend an upcoming Online Information Session.