The University of Texas at Arlington will eliminate or merge eight academic programs in what school leaders described as an effort to improve student outcomes and “maintain fiscal responsibility.” 

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UTA will discontinue an undergraduate program in art history and two master’s programs in sustainable building technology and taxation, university officials announced Friday. Four bachelor’s programs and a master’s program are slated for consolidation. 

“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,” an FAQ on the university’s website reads.  

The school is also temporarily suspending admissions into the undergraduate anthropology program and a master’s program in materials science and engineering starting in August. University officials will revise the courses to be more interdisciplinary. 

These changes will affect fewer than 200 students, according to the FAQ. UTA serves over 42,000 students. 

Current students will be able to complete their degrees. New students will not be able to enroll in the programs set to close.

Programs were selected for elimination and consolidation following a yearlong review of all of UTA’s undergraduate and master’s degree programs. A working group of faculty and university officials analyzed multiple factors, including student demand, retention and graduation rates, program costs, student debt and how much students earn after graduation. 

University officials have said UTA “regularly reviews” its academic programs to ensure they are serving students effectively and align with Texas’ workforce needs. 

Friday’s announcement comes as UTA grapples with increased financial challenges amid federal restrictions, including those related to research support, student financial aid and international student visas. 

UTA President Jennifer Cowley has said the university is looking for ways to “preserve funds” to support the school’s mission and brace for the future. In January, the university offered employee buyouts. Over 200 UTA employees have applied to the voluntary program, according to the Fort Worth Report.  

When asked whether the program changes are part of the school’s cost-cutting measures, a UTA spokesperson said they were “intended to strengthen academic offerings and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.”

“UTA remains committed to providing high-quality programs that meet student and workforce demand,” Jeff Caplan, the spokesperson, said in a statement. 

UTA projected a $44.2 million decrease — about 4.8% — in total revenue and transfers in fiscal year 2026, according to an UT System budget document released in August. UTA’s fiscal year 2026 revenue operating budget is $876.7 million.

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University officials said they expected federal grant and contract revenue related to research to decrease $34 million over the next two years. UTA also saw a 30% decrease in international graduate student enrollment in fall 2025.

More program changes could happen in the coming months as university officials share feedback with programs identified for additional improvement. 

“Program evaluation is an ongoing responsibility,” the FAQ reads. 

A of the university’s core courses and academic programs, which will ensure they are in compliance with a new state law that increases oversight of Texas’ public schools, is underway, Caplan said. 

UTA is not the only North Texas school making program cuts or facing budget challenges amid changes in federal policy.

The University of North Texas recently announced it was eliminating or consolidating dozens of academic programs that have seen low enrollment as it aims to close a projected $45 million shortfall. The cuts will phase out four master’s programs, two undergraduate majors and 25 undergraduate minors, along with over 40 graduate and undergraduate certificates.

Related: What to know about UNT’s sweeping program cuts and budget challenges

It also offered its own employee buyout program, with 40 employees approved to accept it.

Related: UNT approves faculty buyouts amid $45 million shortfall. Here’s how many and how much it could save

UNT’s projected budget shortfall is driven in part by a steep drop in international student enrollment amid federal policy changes. UNT saw its international graduate student population drop by half from 2024 to 2025. University officials also cited a $32 million reduction in state funding, which is largely calculated based on enrollment, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.

The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.

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