Academic Programs Update - Faculty and Staff FAQs

The working group carried out a multi phase, data informed review using clearly defined criteria:

• Student demand (enrollment levels and trends)
• Student success (retention and graduation rates)
• Student outcomes (post graduation employment, earnings, manageable debt)
• Financial efficiency (program costs and faculty workload efficiency)

Faculty in programs identified for further review were directly engaged, providing context, responding to data, and contributing to discussions that shaped final recommendations.

As a result of this process, UTA will:

• discontinue three programs
• consolidate several overlapping degree pathways
• temporarily suspend admissions to some programs while curricula are reimagined
• identify additional programs for future improvements

These decisions directly affect fewer than 200 of UTA’s 42,700 students.

• UTA is suspending new admissions to the following programs:

• BA Art History
• MS Sustainable Building Technology
• MS Taxation

• UTA is consolidating overlapping programs into a single program in the following areas:

• BA Chemistry to merge with BS Chemistry
• BA Geology to merge with BS Geology
• BA Mathematics to merge with BS Mathematics

• UTA is consolidating these overlapping degree programs while retaining specialized programming as a track:

• BA Theatre Arts to merge with BFA Theatre Arts
• MA Mathematics to merge with MS Mathematics

• UTA is suspending new admissions in these programs, which are changing their curriculum through an interdisciplinary lens:

• BA Anthropology
• ME/MS Materials Science and Engineering

All currently enrolled and admitted students will be able to complete their degrees without disruption. UTA will provide a comprehensive teach-out plan, individualized advising, and clear options to transition into other programs for students who decide to change majors.

No. These decisions do not reflect the quality of faculty scholarship, teaching, or dedication to students. They result from an evaluation of program sustainability and impact, with particular attention paid to student demand and graduate outcomes.

By focusing resources where they have the greatest impact, UTA aims to protect the value students and families expect, strengthen graduate outcomes, and maintain fiscal responsibility in stewarding public resources.

Provost Brown reviewed the report from the working group and shared it along with her recommendations and analysis with President Cowley. In the president’s subsequent review, she placed significant weight on student demand and student outcomes.

• Transparent communication as teach out and transition plans are developed
• Compliance with accrediting and system guidance
• Respect for faculty contributions and professionalism throughout the process

Yes. Program evaluation is an ongoing responsibility. The Office of the Provost is sharing specific data and information with affected departments. In fall 2026, Provost Brown and her team will share feedback with programs identified for additional improvement, with the goal of strengthening value and outcomes for students.

Faculty and staff play a crucial role in ensuring students receive clear information, timely referrals to academic advising and support services, and reassurance that degree completion remains the university’s top priority.