West Texas A&M University is making changes to its core curriculum after a Texas A&M University System review required under a new state law.
About 20 courses at WT have been removed from the university’s core curriculum as part of a systemwide review prompted by Senate Bill 37. The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved the revised core curricula for its universities on Sept. 3.
Removing a course from the core curriculum does not mean the class has been canceled or will no longer be offered. Instead, the course can no longer be used to satisfy a student's general education requirements.
WT officials said several courses also were added to the core in an effort to better align the university with state requirements and make it easier for students to transfer credits between institutions.
“Several courses were added to further align with state requirements to make it easier for students to transfer. Most revisions are intended to ensure institutions align with a common core so students can easily transfer credit from one institution to another. Courses being removed from the core are often standalone courses at the institution and are not offered at other universities,” WT said in a statement.
The review stems from Senate Bill 37, which took effect Sept. 1, 2025. The law requires governing boards of public universities to conduct a comprehensive review of their general education curricula at least once every five years. The first review must be completed by Jan. 1, 2027.
Under the law, governing boards are directed to consider whether core courses are foundational to a college education, prepare students for civic and professional life, equip students for the workforce and provide the breadth of knowledge required under accreditation standards. Boards also must consider potential costs to students, including additional tuition, fees and time needed to complete a degree.
Hundreds of course entries reviewed across A&M System
The changes at WT are part of a much larger overhaul across the Texas A&M University System.
Regents considered 1,630 catalog entries during the core curriculum review. Of those, 1,254 existing entries were retained, 350 were removed and 26 were added. The system noted that the totals represent catalog entries rather than necessarily unique courses because some classes are cross-listed.
System officials emphasized that a course does not have to be included in the core curriculum to remain part of a university's academic offerings. A class removed from the core can continue to be offered and can still be required or available within a particular degree program.
The Board's action also certified that the universities' revised core curricula comply with Senate Bill 37 and Texas A&M System policy. Universities will be required to provide annual updates on subsequent changes, while another comprehensive review will be required at least every five years.
System also reviews minors and certificates
Separate from the core curriculum review, A&M System universities have been examining low-producing minors and certificate programs.
That effort began in 2024, before Senate Bill 37 became law, when regents approved Texas A&M University's recommendation to eliminate 52 low-producing minors and certificates and directed other system universities to conduct similar reviews.
Ten universities have since recommended 224 actions involving 172 minors and 52 certificates. Those recommendations include 215 eliminations and nine consolidations.
No degree programs are being eliminated as part of that review, and students already pursuing an affected minor or certificate will be allowed to finish it. Eliminating a minor or certificate also does not necessarily eliminate the courses, faculty, academic department or related degree program associated with it.
Other actions affecting WT and regional universities
The Board of Regents agenda also included a proposal involving three new bachelor's degree programs in public safety management at WT. The programs would still require final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before being offered.
Regents also approved up to $90 million over three years to help regional universities cover costs associated with Hazlewood Act tuition exemptions for eligible Texas veterans and their families.
The Hazlewood Act provides eligible Texas veterans with up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemptions at public colleges and universities. The new A&M System funding is expected to provide as much as $30 million annually beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, providing additional financial support to regional universities carrying those costs.
