The University of North Texas has announced sweeping academic cuts as it confronts a projected $45 million budget shortfall, marking one of the most significant restructuring efforts in the school’s recent history.
University leaders say more than 70 academic programs, minors, and certificate offerings will be eliminated or consolidated. Among the most notable changes is the decision to phase out all linguistics degree programs. The linguistics department will be merged into the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures, signaling a major shift in how the university organizes language-related studies.
The restructuring also includes the elimination of a bachelor’s degree in Latino and Latin American studies and a master’s program in women’s and gender studies. In addition, 25 undergraduate minors and over 40 certificate programs are being cut. Programs affected span a wide range of disciplines, including women’s and gender studies, LGBTQ studies, Mexican American studies, Africana studies, Asian studies, as well as fields like dance, geology, and special education.
In a message to faculty and staff, UNT President Harrison Keller and Provost Michael McPherson said the decisions followed an internal review of enrollment trends, program costs, and what administrators described as “time to value,” a measure tied to student outcomes and efficiency. They pointed to declining enrollment in linguistics since 2021 and relatively small student numbers in several graduate and minor programs as key factors.
The financial strain driving these decisions stems largely from a steep drop in international student enrollment, a group that typically pays higher tuition rates, combined with reduced state funding. University officials had previously warned that measures such as program consolidation, faculty buyouts, and increased teaching loads were likely.
The cuts are unfolding within a broader political environment in Texas, where public universities have faced increasing scrutiny over courses related to race, gender, and sexuality. Policies linked to directives from Donald Trump, Greg Abbott, and state legislation have emphasized recognition of only two sexes, though they do not explicitly prohibit gender-related coursework. UNT previously conducted a system-wide course review, but it remains unclear whether that process influenced the current program eliminations.
Other Texas universities have taken similar steps. Texas A&M University recently eliminated its women’s and gender studies program, while University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas at San Antonio have moved to consolidate programs focused on race, gender, and ethnicity.
Students currently enrolled in the affected programs at UNT will be allowed to complete their degrees, but new admissions into those programs will cease. However, details remain unclear regarding how long courses will continue to be offered and how many students will ultimately be impacted.
The university has also offered buyouts to faculty with at least 15 years of service, with a deadline set for April 10. Officials have not disclosed how many faculty members have applied or whether layoffs could follow if staffing reductions fall short.
Looking ahead, UNT plans to expand hybrid learning models. Starting this fall, more than 40 courses will shift to online lectures paired with smaller, in-person discussion sessions.
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