Indiana State University Board of Trustees Approves New Academic Programs, Fee Adjustments

The Indiana State University Board of Trustees meeting on February 28, 2025, approved academic program and course-specific fee adjustments and new certificate and academic programs.

Dr. Christopher Olsen, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, presented several new and revised academic programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Communication, a Minor in Media Production, and a transition to teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education. Following approval from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, these programs will be added to the Indiana State University catalog.

Provost Olsen stated, “I’m delighted that Indiana State University is expanding opportunities for students in these critical, high-demand fields. Our T2T Certificate in Early Childhood formalizes an existing program and will further help address the growing need for qualified preschool teachers with a stackable credential. Additionally, our Minor in Media Production, and we plan to propose a major in the near future, and the B.A. in Sports Communication will equip students with specialized, career-ready skills in rapidly evolving industries. By leveraging existing faculty expertise and reconfiguring our strong course offerings, we are confident program graduates will be ready to meet the workforce needs of Indiana and beyond.”

The Board of Trustees approved academic program and course-related fee adjustments for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Senior Vice President for Finance and University Administration Diann McKee shared, “Our annual review process for academic programs and course-specific fees ensures the fees accurately reflect current consumable expenses, allowing us to provide the resources and materials that directly enhance each student’s learning experience.”

Fee adjustments include:

• Eliminating and adjusting course-specific fees in multiple disciplines.
• 2.75% flight and ground instruction rate adjustments for the aviation program. 
• Program fee increases for Masters programs in Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies.

Even with the approved program fee increases, Indiana State University remains the most affordable graduate education option in many, if not most, fields statewide. By carefully balancing necessary cost adjustments with a commitment to student access, Indiana State continues to deliver high-quality, career-focused graduate programs at a competitive price point.