Undergraduate Agricultural Education Program Will Continue within the College of Agriculture
The College of Agriculture at Purdue University has announced that the Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication will close in June 2026 due to consistently low student enrollment. This decision follows a statewide requirement for public institutions to review academic programs with low enrollment and graduation numbers.
The action complies with Indiana Code 21-18-9-10.5, which was updated by the Indiana General Assembly in the 2025–27 state budget. The law requires colleges to either restructure or eliminate programs that do not meet enrollment standards.
While the department will close, the undergraduate Agricultural Education program will continue within the College of Agriculture. It will remain the only agricultural education program offered at a public university in Indiana, ensuring continued access for students interested in teaching agriculture.
Current undergraduate students majoring in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication will receive full support to complete their coursework and graduate. However, the major will no longer accept new students.
Graduate students currently enrolled in the ASEC program will also be allowed to complete their degrees, but no new graduate admissions will take place.
Tenured faculty members within the department will retain their positions in the College of Agriculture. Staff members affected by the closure will receive assistance according to standard human resources guidelines.
College officials emphasized that no other departments are planned for closure. The college is committed to minimizing disruption and ensuring students, faculty, and staff are supported throughout the transition process.
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