Colleges and universities are rapidly introducing new programs to address industry demands, student interests, and workforce needs. February saw several notable trends in program announcements, with more than 100 new programs announced and some significant shifts from January. Here’s what higher education leaders should consider when evaluating their program portfolios.
Community Colleges Leading the Growth
Community colleges saw a significant increase in program announcements. In January, they introduced 48 new programs, whereas in February, this number rose to 59. This trend highlights the critical role community colleges play in workforce development and expanding access to high-demand fields. Many of these programs focused on skilled trades, healthcare, and applied sciences, aligning with broader industry needs.
Among the most popular areas of growth for community colleges in February were Business, Management, and Marketing which saw eight new programs compared to three in January, and Communication, Journalism and Related Programs, which introduced two new programs after having none in January. However, some areas, such as Agricultural, Animal, Plant, and Veterinary Sciences, saw a slight decline, with only one new program compared to three in January.
Top Fields Seeing Growth for All Modalities
February saw strong momentum in the Health Professions and Related Programs category. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, institutions continue to expand offerings in medical laboratory science, nursing, and health policy. Similarly, Construction Trades saw notable activity, particularly in areas like building construction technology, reflecting a growing interest in skilled trades and infrastructure-related careers.
Another area experiencing an increase in program offerings is Public Administration & Social Service Professions, suggesting a rising emphasis on policy analysis, nonprofit management, and community leadership education.
Surprising Resurgence in Agricultural Sciences
One of the most interesting developments was the resurgence of Agricultural, Animal, Plant, and Veterinary Science programs, which saw 18 new programs in February compared to 14 in January. This increase stands out, especially given a relatively lower level of activity in this field in prior months.
Declines in Certain Disciplines
Compared to January, some traditionally strong academic fields showed a slowdown in new program launches. Biological and Biomedical Sciences, for example, had 10 new programs in February, down from 15 in January. This could indicate a short-term shift in focus or a saturation of recent program additions in this field.
Comparing January and February: What Changed?
A key difference between January and February was the shift in emphasis on Architecture and Related Services. While January saw four new programs, February experienced a slight decline to two new programs. Meanwhile, Ethnic, Cultural, and Gender Studies programs saw slight growth, rising from four new programs in January to five in February.
Year-over-Year Growth in Program Announcements
Compared to February 2024, February 2025 saw a notable increase in new program announcements across higher education institutions. One of the most dramatic shifts was in Agricultural, Animal, Plant, and Veterinary Science, which saw 18 new programs in February 2025, compared to just one in February 2024. Similarly, Biological and Biomedical Sciences was introduced, rising from zero new programs in February 2024 to ten in February 2025.
Strategic Considerations for Institutions
Higher education leaders should take these insights into account when making strategic program decisions:
- Health and Trades Education Are Strong Bets: If your institution is considering expanding offerings, healthcare and construction-related fields continue to show strong demand.
- Monitor Market Saturation: While some disciplines, like biological sciences, remain critical, institutions may want to assess whether further program expansion is necessary for the regional market.
- Sustainability and Social Impact Are Gaining Ground: The rise in agricultural sciences and social service programs may suggest an increased focus on sustainability, food security, and social responsibility.
As higher education continues to evolve, institutions must remain adaptable and informed to meet the needs of students and employers. These trends offer valuable insights into where new opportunities may lie and how institutions can continue to innovate in program development.
Curious how these insights apply to your institution? Our data-informed tools help higher education leaders make strategic program decisions with confidence. Schedule a demo to see how our Program Evaluation System (PES) can help your institution identify opportunities, track emerging trends, and ensure your programs align with student and workforce needs.
