KEY TAKEAWAYS: UNO implements program changes affecting less than 2% of students. BA Art History and BA Film Theatre programs restructured. New degrees in data science, engineering management, and healthcare management planned. All faculty retained; students receive advising and teach-out sup port.   The University of New Orleans (UNO) has announced a series of academic program changes as it transitions back to the Louisiana State University system. The updates are designed to better align degree offerings with student demand, workforce needs, and long-term institutional growth. The changes, which affect less than 2% of the student body, include program consolidations, teach-outs, and new degree developments. UNO said all current students in impacted programs will receive individualized support, including advising, course access, and guidance on completing their degrees or transitioning to related programs. “These decisions are guided by one central priority: doing what is best for our students, both today and into the future,” said Kathy Johnson, president of UNO. “In higher education throughout the country, institutions are adapting to changing student interests and evolving workforce demands. This work ensures that LSU New Orleans is positioned to offer programs that are strong, sustainable and aligned with opportunity.” Among the updates: The BA in Art History will be restructured and renamed BA Studio Art, with Art History offered as a minor. The BA in Film and Theatre will discontinue the theatre track and become BA Film Arts, with Theatre Arts offered as a minor. The BA in International Studies, BS in Elementary and Special Education, and certain MAT education programs will be discontinued. The BS in Mathematics will be taught out while a new BS in Data Science is developed. The MFA in Film Theatre will eliminate select theatre tracks and be renamed to reflect its focus. The MS in Tax Accounting teach-out will continue. Some programs will also be restructured to improve efficiency, such as merging the Master of Arts in Arts Administration with the Master of Public Administration to provide stronger enrollment and shared coursework opportunities. UNO emphasized that all faculty will remain, continuing to deliver instruction and support students during the transition. The university also highlighted new program development in high-demand fields, including engineering management, hospitality and tourism, data science, and health care management. Founded in 1958, UNO joined the University of Louisiana System in 2011 and now returns to the LSU System in 2026. The move reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening its academic portfolio while continuing to serve students, the city of New Orleans, and the state. ...read more read less