The University of Texas at Arlington is eyeing several undergraduate and master’s degree programs for what it is calling a “thoughtful transition,” part of a sweeping academic review hitting the campus at a time of tighter budgets and shrinking federal dollars. Administrators insist nothing is final and say any programs flagged in this first pass will get a closer, secondary look before anyone talks about closures.
According to the Fort Worth Report, UTA’s Academic Program Futures Working Group has pinpointed some undergraduate and master’s offerings that face persistent challenges and may not be positioned for long-term viability. Still, university spokesman Jeff Caplan told the outlet that no specific program has been targeted for closure and no decisions have been made, leaving the campus guessing about which majors are in the hot seat. The working group kicked off its review in 2025 in an effort to better match academic offerings with student outcomes and long-term sustainability, the outlet notes.
As outlined by UTA Academic Program Futures, the committee is stocked with tenured faculty, academic leaders and business officers, and is leaning heavily on data as it evaluates undergraduate and master’s programs. Metrics include enrollment patterns, graduation and retention rates, financial efficiency, faculty workload and graduates’ earnings. Each program ends up in one of three buckets: commended, recommended for enhancement, or recommended for thoughtful transition. Those that land in the transition zone will be invited to submit written responses and meet with reviewers before any formal recommendations move up the chain.
Which programs are at risk?
So far, UTA is keeping the potential hit list under wraps. The university has not released how many programs are flagged or which specific degrees are being scrutinized, leaving students and faculty waiting for something more concrete than hallway rumors. As the Fort Worth Report notes, administrators declined to say which undergraduate or master’s majors are on the working group’s list. UTA currently offers about 180 academic programs, and those tagged for “thoughtful transition” could ultimately face teach-outs or phased changes if reviewers and campus leaders choose to move ahead.
State pressure and recent campus cuts
The review is unfolding as Texas leaders push public universities to show a tighter link between what they teach and what the job market wants. Senate Bill 37, passed by the Legislature last year, hands governing boards more authority over curricula and degree programs and requires regular reviews intended to align core courses and minors with workforce needs, according to The Texas Tribune…