Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

General FAQs

Why is FDU making academic changes?
Fairleigh Dickinson University is on a multi-year transformational journey dedicated to:

  • Emphasizing distinctive and immersive learning experiences that are aligned with career opportunities, particularly in healthcare, health-related fields and professional studies.
  • Becoming more affordable and flexible and adaptable to changing expectations for higher education.
  • Reimagining FDU to meet learners where they are.

Our University, like most others, is challenged by several significant and long-term trends facing higher education, particularly in our region, including the sharp decline in the number of students who are and will be of college-going age in the next 20 years, the attacks on the value of higher education, and the demand for “return on investment” in programs with clearly delineated career paths. FDU must make changes to our academic offerings to address these challenges and strengthen our ability to achieve the mission of the University as a whole. Our academic programs must be aligned with the needs and interests of the students we recruit and enroll, as reflected in the data and the demographic trends. Our vision for change is and must be long term.

What academic changes are being made and is there a strategic direction in place?
FDU had proposed that programs meeting certain criteria, including low enrollment, be considered for discontinuance and now, after following the multi-step consultative process defined in our Faculty Handbook, the University has approved the discontinuance of certain academic programs on the New Jersey campuses, which will be followed by an academic reorganization, to provide greater strategic direction and as much efficiency as possible.

As part of its strategic planning process, FDU has been reviewing all its offerings to determine where best to allocate resources to strengthen select programs. Higher education continues to change and the needs of learners have evolved greatly in recent years. In response, we have launched a cohesive strategy to address the ongoing demand that a college education focus on the necessary skills for workplace and career readiness. This is not only necessary for today’s learners but it’s also aligned with the longstanding legacy and values of Fairleigh Dickinson, which has helped generations of students gain opportunity and access to become upwardly mobile, advance in career pathways and contribute to career and marketplace needs. The institution has a legacy of responsiveness to real-world concerns and a commitment to service and support for the community.

While we will continue to offer a range of academic programs that meet the needs of our students, we also need to make some changes to become more focused and distinctive. FDU’s path forward will emphasize transformational opportunities for learners that align with and address the workforce needs of the future in professionally focused areas such as health sciences and health-related fields. These areas are longstanding strengths at FDU and respond to critical demands in our region and nation today.

All decisions to change the portfolio of academic programs offered by the University have been made in accordance with the Faculty Handbook. The process included a period of consultation with faculty. During the period of consultation, the provost and president gave great weight to input provided by the faculty in developing the plan for discontinuance and incorporated that input in the final plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees.

What criteria were used to select programs for consideration for discontinuance?
In order to decide which academic programs might be candidates for discontinuance, the administration considered a wide range of quantitative criteria, across a period of several years, including:

  • Applicants
  • Enrolled to the Applied Major
  • Enrolled in Other Majors
  • All New Enrolled
  • Residing on Campus
  • Transfers*
  • Yield to the Applied Major
  • Yield to Another Major
  • Total Yield
  • 3-year Freshman Retention Rate*
  • Average Enrollment
  • Freshman Graduation Rate*
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Net Tuition
  • Instructional Costs
  • Net Instructional Income
  • Contribution to the University Budget
  • Credit Hours Generated
  • Avg Net Tuition per Credit Hour
  • Avg Instructional Costs per Credit Hour

*Items marked with an asterisk are relevant only for undergraduate programs.

In addition to the quantitative analysis conducted on the basis of the criteria listed above, the administration considered whether programs were aligned with strategic areas for growth and areas in critical demand, such as health sciences and professional degree programs, as well as the degree to which the programs are a top choice for athletes (one of our most important student populations), and whether programs at our Vancouver Campus depended on analogous programs in New Jersey. (Note: There were no programs at Vancouver proposed for consideration of discontinuance.)

In reviewing all the data collected on each of the criteria, we took a holistic approach to the question of discontinuance. Low performance indicators on one or two of the quantitative criteria or a lack of applicability to one of the qualitative criteria were not deemed sufficient evidence in and of themselves to suggest the possible discontinuance of a program. Rather, we deemed that programs were candidates for possible discontinuance on the basis of a preponderance of low performance indicators and/or lack of applicability of the qualitative criteria.

What are the specific programs that will be discontinued?
See the list of discontinued programs as well as new program options now available. 

When did this process begin and how did the administration get to this point?
In Fall 2023, the Academic Leaders group (consisting of all deans, directors, department chairs, program directors, faculty leaders, and academic affairs staff in leadership positions) brainstormed strategies to enable the University to meet the challenges facing higher education. Their suggestions were shared with the Academic Efficiencies Task Force (AETF), consisting of some deans and directors, some faculty senators and others, for further consideration. The AETF’s final report recognized the pressing need for changes and outlined strategic options for further analysis. Among the areas to further explore was possibly closing one of the New Jersey campuses, reorganizing the academic structure, and reducing the number of departments and programs. The AETF’s input was carefully considered by the University’s senior leadership in its strategic planning. The administration determined that among the options outlined by the AETF, the discontinuance of certain academic programs seemed the most viable for the University’s long-term success. Following criteria recommended by the AETF (see above), the University’s senior leadership analyzed the data to generate a list of programs that could be considered for discontinuance.

The period of consultation with the faculty then began, starting with meetings with faculty in each department or program, who were given access to the data for their program. The curriculum committees for each school or college within the University (known as “Educational Policy Committees” or “EPCs”) were given the data for all programs in their school or college. Committees of the Faculty Senate were also given data for all programs in the entire University. The faculty then considered the data to create a response to their unit’s EPC, which then made recommendations to the provost. The provost then incorporated a number of those recommendations, modifying the list accordingly, and shared his recommendations with the president. After another round of reviews, the administration then reached final decisions that were approved by the Board of Trustees.

How will the schools and colleges be reorganized?
To further help reduce expenses and to align with these programmatic changes, the University is now working to consider a possible reorganization of the structure for the colleges and schools, an idea based on one of the strategic options recommended by the Academic Efficiencies Task Force. This reorganization is expected to create better synergy among common areas and reduce obstacles for collaboration. The administration has formed a committee consisting of faculty leaders to develop recommendations for a new structure.

Will FDU’s accreditation be impacted by these changes?
All changes will be reported to FDU’s accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, but we don’t expect that these changes will be a determining factor in the upcoming accreditation visit and review.

How long will this process take and what are the next steps?
The process for the discontinuation of academic programs and for changing the academic structure required consultation with the faculty as per the Faculty Handbook. The University began the consultative process in late Fall 2024. Those programs that are discontinued will not accept new students; however, students currently enrolled and progressing in these programs will be provided with the necessary support and options to complete their studies and earn their degrees. This will be accomplished by continuing to run these programs for current students and by establishing teach-out programs as needed. Now that the program changes are determined, the University will work to modify the academic structure to align with the change to our academics and to achieve operational efficiencies.  

What other measures is the University taking?
To reduce the number of tenured faculty impacted by these changes, the University consulted with the Faculty Senate leadership to create a buy-out program with incentives. The administration will also explore opportunities for reassignment when possible. The University also has enforced the course load that faculty are required to carry, while reducing course release time to ensure that as many courses as possible are taught by full-time faculty, significantly reducing our adjunct faculty budget.

What other initiatives have been taken recently?
Guided by the strategic plan, FDU Will Soar, the University has been focused on both long-term and short-term initiatives that will strengthen programs, generate resources, and ensure long-term sustainability. In particular, we are focused on enhancing existing areas of strength and areas in demand.

Key Examples and Updates

  • Establishment of FDU Health and expansion of these programs
  • Launch of FDU HealthPath Forward to build a collaborative to foster healthcare education and innovation
  • Articulation of new community college affiliations and new educational pipelines
  • Development of off-site programs at Bell Works and The Park at Berkeley Heights and corporate sites such as Merck and Novartis
  • Inventory and appraisal of all assets (including real estate with the potential of land leases)
  • Sale of Edward Williams Building and educational partnership with Ohr Yisroel
  • Management of Online Learning division brought back in house with potential expansion planned
  • Efforts to enhance student recruitment and retention
  • Efforts to streamline and reduce spending and inefficiencies
  • Efforts to improve fund-raising and governmental support
  • Establishment of Lifelong Learning at FDU

What will happen next? Will more programs be closed later?
The University will continue to rigorously evaluate all programs and services to determine what can best be improved; however, no other programs are being considered for discontinuance at this time. We will continue to explore promising options that have the potential to provide revenue while also advancing the mission of the University and helping to meet the goals in the strategic plan. Some of these options include the opportunity to partner with peer institutions and corporations. Those plans and discussions are still emerging, and we will provide more information as details become available. 

How will the University and the community benefit from these changes?
These changes provide significant financial benefits for the University and even more crucially provide a more distinctive mission and a vital role for the University that builds on key strengths and responds to important societal demands. We believe these measures will not only ensure the sustainability of the institution but enable it to thrive for generations to come and provide transformative experiences for students that will enable them to enjoy successful careers and make important contributions to our region and our world. Further, the success of these initiatives will enable the University to invest greater resources in our people, our programs and our living and learning environment.

Is this yet another sign of the death of the liberal arts education and do you have any concerns about students not having access to that type of educational experience?
We deeply value the importance of a liberal arts education and will continue to offer a variety of programs and courses that help provide such benefits. For those who wish to focus more extensively on the liberal arts, we understand they may not choose FDU but there remain many institutions that continue to offer such programs. As with the case for many colleges and universities, we are not in the position of continuing to offer all programs for all interests. We believe that more specialization in higher education will not only benefit the institutions but also provide greater clarity and focus for student choices as well.

FAQs for Current Students

How many students are enrolled in discontinued programs?
The number of students currently enrolled in programs that will be discontinued is 434 (291 undergraduates and 143 graduates). This represents approximately five percent of the overall student population.

What will happen to students in the discontinued programs?
Discontinuing a program means not admitting any new students to these programs effective immediately; however, we expect a long runway for these academic programs to be available for current students. Our current plans include the continuation of the affected programs through June 30, 2027, which provides ample opportunity to plan for and prepare our students, faculty and staff for these changes. We will also establish teach-out programs as needed. Academic advisors are available for students currently enrolled in the affected programs to provide guidance and explore options to enable students to achieve their educational goals.

If a student needs to transfer, will FDU provide support and assistance? Will all their credits transfer?
FDU will provide support and assistance. All credits will be evaluated by those institutions on a case-by-case basis as is established practice for managing the transfer process. FDU evaluates the credits earned by students seeking to transfer into FDU and other institutions evaluate the FDU credits of students seeking to transfer from FDU.

Will FDU have cooperative agreements with other schools?
FDU will work to develop cooperative agreements in place with other schools in our region to which students may choose to apply as transfer students.

If a student wishes to withdraw will they get a refund or tuition and fees credit?
FDU has policies about the refund of tuition at different stages in the semester. Those policies have not changed, and you can find them on this web page.

If a student requires housing, will there be accommodations and support at those schools?
We cannot guarantee housing spots at other institutions, as those decisions will be made by those institutions.

How can students obtain their academic records?
To order a transcript, please follow the instructions on this web page.

If a student completes a degree from another school, from which school will the diploma be issued?
Students typically receive the diploma from the institution at which they complete their degree. 

What if the cost of completing a degree at another university is more than the cost at FDU? Will FDU help cover the additional cost?
We will provide students who inquire about transferring to other institutions with the information we have about the costs of attending the schools of interest to the given student. The cost of attendance at FDU, after financial aid and grants are considered, is typically comparable to the cost of attendance at other institutions in New Jersey. In accordance with longstanding practices typical of all institutions of higher education, FDU will not provide tuition grants for FDU students to attend other institutions.

If a student is receiving financial aid from FDU but needs to transfer, will they be assured the same level of assistance?
FDU cannot guarantee the amount of financial aid from another institution; however, students who qualify for financial aid at FDU often will qualify for financial aid at other institutions.

What does this mean for students who are not interested in the health sciences?
FDU will continue to offer many career pathways. Our undergraduate programs will prepare students for careers not only in healthcare, business, engineering and education, but also for jobs in the private sector, public sector and non-profit sector that students may not have dreamed of and that may, in fact, not currently exist. The average person completing a bachelor’s degree in the 2020s and 2030s will have over a dozen different jobs in the course of their lifetime, with five of them representing entirely distinct careers. Many of those jobs have not yet even been invented! An FDU undergraduate education will prepare our graduates to thrive as global professionals in the rapidly changing international economy.

But these changes recognize the fact that higher education institutions — especially private colleges like FDU — cannot continue to offer programs that appeal to every subject of interest because the costs of doing so exceed our financial capacity to pay for them. We cannot be all things to all people and expect to grow and flourish. We need to be more focused and invest better in selected programs to ensure their success. Our programs moving forward will be those that align with this vision and respond to significant demands and those will be prioritized for investment and growth. We need to focus on these programs, and we need to invest more in those programs, in our infrastructure, and most of all, in addressing our students’ needs.

Who should undergraduate students contact for more information?
Undergraduate students should contact their academic advisors or reach out to the Centers for Academic Advising and Student Success (CAASS).

Florham CAASS
Hennessy Hall, First Floor, Room 8
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
973-443-8753
CAASS-Florham@fdu.edu

Metro CAASS
Robison Hall, Room 30
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
201-692-2339
CAASS-Metro@fdu.edu

Who should graduate students contact for more information?
Graduate students should reach out to the program advisor in their college or school. See the list below.

Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences

Silberman College of Business

Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering

Peter Sammartino School of Education

School of Public and Global Affairs

FAQs for Admitted Students

Am I still accepted to Fairleigh Dickinson University?
Yes, if you have received an acceptance letter you have still been admitted to the University.

Will I still have my admissions merit scholarship that was offered in my acceptance letter?
Yes, you will still receive your merit scholarship as that remains unchanged. Your merit scholarship was not based on your major.

What are my choices if my major is no longer being offered?
Students can choose from a list of majors that are still being offered. Some programs have specific admissions requirements so we will need to review your change of major request and will advise when it is approved. The easiest way to change your major is to fill out a change of program form (you can also email myapp@fdu.edu).

Who can I talk to about the different majors that are offered?
You can contact the Admissions Office to speak with an admissions counselor. If you’ve been admitted to the Metropolitan Campus, please call 201-692-7308 or the Florham Campus at 973-443-8900.

If I have additional admissions questions, who should I contact?
You can speak with an admissions counselor at the Metropolitan Campus at 201-692-7308 or at the Florham Campus at 973-443-8900.

If I choose not to enroll at FDU, will my deposit be refunded?
Tuition and housing deposits are typically nonrefundable, but this is a very unusual circumstance. If you deposited for Fall 2025 and your major is no longer offered at FDU, your refund request will be honored. Before finalizing your plans, we want to give you time to explore other possible academic options at FDU and attend your campus Admitted Students Day. You will have until May 1, 2025, to confirm or withdraw your enrollment decision. Note: Any refund requests must be made by May 1, 2025, by emailing Coleen Curtis at ccurtis@fdu.edu. 

What is the process for requesting a refund of my deposit?
If your major is no longer being offered and you no longer plan to attend FDU, you can request a refund of your tuition deposit by sending an email to myapp@fdu.edu.

Will my financial aid package still be available?
Yes, students who have received a financial aid award will continue to receive that aid. If you have yet to file a FAFSA, please make sure to do so at FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid.

Will I still be able to live in the residence halls at the campus I applied to?
Yes, you will still be able to be a resident student. If your change of major requires you to switch New Jersey campuses, you will still have the option to live in the residence halls. We look forward to you living on campus in the fall.

Can I still come to Admitted Students Day if my major is no longer being offered?
Yes, we encourage all admitted students to attend the Admitted Students Day. This event will give you the opportunity to meet with faculty and advisors from various departments all around campus. It will also allow you to meet some of your future classmates as well as current FDU students. If you have not reserved, RSVP at Admitted Students | Fairleigh Dickinson University.

When is the deadline to make my enrollment deposit?
The deadline for the enrollment deposit is Thursday, May 1, 2025. If you plan to enroll at FDU for the Fall 2025 semester you can make your enrollment deposit here.