# | Question | Response |
Why is HACC restructuring some academic programs? | HACC is committed to improving student success using Guided Pathways, a nationally recognized model.
Please note the following:
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What is a meta major? | A meta major is a broad academic area such as health sciences; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); and social and behavioral sciences that contains several concentrations/majors under one umbrella.
For example, instead of separate Associate of Science degrees in physical science and exercise science, students might enroll in a STEM meta major and choose a concentration like exercise science or physical science. This design ensures students build a strong common core of courses, making it easier to change their concentration or major without losing credits. | |
Which programs are being restructured into meta majors? Which programs are being completely sunset? | The following programs will be restructured into meta majors (concentrations) and will no longer accept new students as stand-alone degrees effective fall 2026:
The following programs are being completely sunset, meaning they will no longer be offered at HACC after the phase-out of fall 2026:
All students in these four programs will be advised and supported throughout each program's teachout. A teach-out allows current students to finish their program after it has been closed, so they can complete what they started instead of being forced to transfer or stop. | |
If students are currently enrolled in one of the programs listed above, can they still graduate? | Yes. Our students and their successes are our top priority.
Please note that students will receive a detailed advising plan to help them complete their requirements before the stand-alone degree is phased out. | |
What is the deadline for students to complete their stand-alone degree? | The stand-alone degrees will be fully phased out by the fall 2027 semester. Students must complete all degree requirements by the end of the summer 2027 semester or earlier.
Students are encouraged to contact their assigned academic advisor, who will help them map out a timeline to ensure they finish on time. | |
What if a student cannot finish by summer 2027? | If students are at risk of not completing by the phase-out date, the student’s assigned academic advisor will work with them to transition into the equivalent meta major concentration.
Any completed courses will be applied to the new degree structure, so students do not lose progress. No student will be left without a pathway to completion. | |
Can new or returning students enroll in the stand-alone Addiction Recovery Services Associate in Applied Science or Art Associate in Fine Arts? | No. As of the effective date of this change, HACC will no longer accept new students into the stand-alone versions of the 12 programs. New students should enroll in the appropriate meta major with a concentration that aligns with their career or transfer goals. | |
Students want to enroll in Film and Theatre Associate in Fine Arts or Wellness and Health Promotion Associate in Applied Science. Are those still available? | No. These programs are being completely sunset and will no longer be offered as degrees at HACC.
If you are a new student, please meet with an academic advisor to explore alternative programs, including communication studies, general studies, liberal arts or health-related meta majors.
Current students in these two programs may complete their degrees according to their existing advising plan. | |
Will students still get the same advising support during this transition? | Yes. HACC is providing enhanced academic advising for all students affected by this change. Students will receive a personalized educational plan, and advising appointments will focus on ensuring they meet degree requirements before the phase-out or smoothly transitioning into a meta major. | |
Will the new meta major degrees still transfer to four-year universities?
| Yes. HACC has existing articulation agreements with local universities, including Millersville University, Penn State Harrisburg and Shippensburg University. These articulation agreements are being updated to apply to the meta major degrees and their concentrations. Transferability will be preserved and, in many cases, improved because the core curriculum is better aligned with bachelor’s degree programs. | |
If students are planning to transfer to a four-year school for a major like social work or engineering, should they be worried? | No. Students’ academic advisors will help them select the appropriate meta major concentration that aligns with their transfer goals.
For example:
HACC is actively confirming articulation agreements for all new concentrations. | |
If a student switches to a meta major concentration, will they lose any credits they already earned? | No. The meta major model is designed specifically to prevent credit loss. All core courses within a meta major are shared across concentrations.
For example, if a student switches from a mathematics concentration to a physical science concentration, their general education and foundational STEM credits will still apply. Only a few concentration-specific courses may change. | |
Will this change affect students’ financial aid or scholarship eligibility? | The answer is generally, no, as long as students remain on track for degree completion and take only the courses they need for their concentration and within their meta major.
However, if a student switches to a different concentration or takes longer to graduate, they should check with the Financial Aid Department. HACC will work to ensure that no student loses aid eligibility solely due to this restructuring. Current students finishing their stand-alone degree under their original plan will see no change in aid status. | |
Can students voluntarily switch to the new meta major now instead of finishing their stand-alone degree? | Yes. If a student prefers the meta major structure, they may work with their advisor to switch at any time before the phase-out. Students’ completed courses will be evaluated and applied to the appropriate concentration. This may even benefit some students if they are considering changing their focus area. | |
When will the meta majors officially begin? | The new meta major degrees with concentrations will go into effect fall 2027. Stand-alone degrees will no longer be available for new students after that point. Current students may continue under the old structure through summer 2027. | |
How will HACC communicate updates to students? | Students will receive emails to their HAWKMail email address and notifications in their myHACC portal.
In addition, students will receive outreach from their assigned academic advisor.
HACC will also host information sessions and drop-in advising hours. Please encourage students to watch for announcements from the Registrar and academic advising. | |
Who should I contact if I have more questions? | We encourage students to start with their academic advisor.
You can also contact:
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Student Status | Student Actions Required |
Current student in one of the 12 stand-alone degrees | Continue with advising plan; complete degree by summer 2027 |
Current student in Film and Theatre, Geospatial Technology or Wellness and Health Promotion program | Complete degree by summer 2027 with advisor support |
New or returning student after the effective date | Enroll in meta major with a concentration |
New student interested in Film and Theatre or Wellness and Health Promotion program | Choose an alternative program; meet with an advisor |