Bowling Green, Ohio, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Bowling Green State University has announced the discontinuation of its World Language Education major due to low enrollment. This decision comes despite the increasing demand for world language teachers amid a significant teacher shortage in Ohio. Advocates express concerns that this move could further diminish the pool of qualified language educators in the state, impacting the critical communication skills of future students. Alternatives for aspiring language teachers are limited, with BGSU’s closure further reducing options in Northwest Ohio.
Bowling Green, Ohio – Bowling Green State University (BGSU) has announced it will no longer accept new students into its World Language Education major, citing low enrollment as the primary reason. This decision comes at a time when the demand for world language teachers is high due to a global teacher shortage. The program was previously designed for individuals intending to teach foreign languages in K-12 schools.
As the advocacy chair for the Ohio World Language Association noted, this move could further threaten the availability of world language educators in the state, with BGSU’s decision reducing the options for students pursuing this career path. Data from BGSU indicates that world language teachers are currently in the highest demand relative to other teaching positions. Meanwhile, research compiled from ZipRecruiter reveals that over 400 foreign language teaching positions remain unfilled in Ohio.
With the closure of BGSU’s program and loss of the University of Toledo’s world language program in Northwest Ohio, there are now no universities in the region offering the World Language Education major. The few remaining programs across Ohio provide limited options, as most only offer one or two languages, while BGSU had offered eight. Over the last decade, BGSU saw an average of fewer than four graduates annually from its World Language Education program.
Students currently enrolled in the World Language Education program at BGSU can complete their degrees, but new admissions are officially halted. Concerns have emerged regarding the potential impact of cutting world language programs. The advocacy chair expressed fears that young students may miss out on developing critical communication and critical thinking skills due to the reduced number of language educators.
A spokesperson for BGSU emphasized the university’s commitment to providing academic programs that align with student interests and state needs. Alternative pathways for those still interested in teaching world languages remain, such as majoring in a world language and later pursuing teacher licensure through alternative programs. Despite these alternatives, concerns persist that such pathways may not fully equip students to effectively assess and plan for teaching.
Current Status of World Language Education in Ohio
As it stands, cutbacks in world language education at BGSU illustrate a broader issue in Ohio’s educational landscape. Recent data underscores a turbulence within teacher education, particularly in the field of foreign language instruction. Without sufficient programs to cultivate future educators, many worry about the long-term implications for language acquisition among students statewide.
Key Implementation Metrics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University Impacted | Bowling Green State University |
| Major Affected | World Language Education |
| Current Open Positions in Ohio | Over 400 |
| Graduates Average per Year | Fewer than 4 |
| Languages Offered by BGSU | 8 |
| Remaining Programs in Ohio | Few programs offering one or two languages |
FAQ
Why has BGSU decided to cut the World Language Education major?
BGSU will no longer offer the World Language Education major to new students due to low enrollment.
What was the objective of the World Language Education program?
The World Language Education program was designed for students aiming to teach foreign languages in K-12 schools.
How many foreign language teaching positions are currently open in Ohio?
Over 400 foreign language teaching positions are currently open in Ohio as per ZipRecruiter.
What options do current students in the World Language Education program have?
Students already enrolled in the World Language Education program can complete their degrees despite the halt in new admissions.
What are the concerns regarding language education following the program cut?
Concerns have been raised that cutting world language programs could negatively affect young students’ communication and critical thinking skills.
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Additional Resources
- 13abc: BGSU Cuts World Language Education Program
- Spectrum News1: $250K Grant Invested in Impact Center
- BG Daily News: Bill Oldham Community Education Head Retires
- EdScoop: BGSU Announces First AI Degree
- WNKY: Bowling Green High School Opens New Career and Technical Education Building
- Wikipedia: Education in Ohio
- Google Search: World Language Education
- Google Scholar: Foreign Language Education Ohio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: World Language Education Ohio
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
