Iowa State Proposed Major Discontinuation
The provost recommended ending the women and gender studies major after a formal university review.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Last semester, the Provost Office at Iowa State University recommended the discontinuation of the women and gender studies major. The proposal followed a Workforce Alignment Review conducted by the Iowa Board of Regents.
Why it matters
The review specifically targeted academic programs with fewer than 25 enrolled students to ensure alignment with workforce needs. This assessment puts the future of the women and gender studies degree at risk of elimination.
The women and gender studies program currently serves 19 majors, while individual course enrollment averages 30 students in person and 55 students in online sections. Four other undergraduate programs are also under review.
The players
Iowa State University
This public research institution in Ames is currently evaluating the future of several undergraduate degree programs.
Iowa Board of Regents
The board oversees Iowa's public universities and conducted the Workforce Alignment Review that prompted the program evaluations.
Tri Iota Women and Gender Studies Honor Society
This student organization remains committed to continuing its activities on campus despite the uncertainty surrounding the academic major.
The details
Most courses within the program are cross-listed with other departments to broaden accessibility for students across the university. The Tri Iota Women and Gender Studies Honor Society intends to remain active as a student organization regardless of the major's status.
Timeline
Last semester, the Provost's Office recommended the discontinuation of the program.
Culture Shift
This move reflects a broader national trend of universities scrutinizing humanities programs through the lens of workforce alignment and enrollment quotas. It signals a shift where academic value is increasingly measured by student count benchmarks rather than traditional liberal arts metrics.
Students currently enrolled in the major face uncertainty regarding the future of their degree path and potential program requirements. The outcome will also dictate whether courses remain available for cross-listing and general enrollment.
The takeaway
The administrative review highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining niche academic programs and meeting strict enrollment performance metrics. Students impacted by such reviews should monitor official university communications for updates on degree program retention.
Further reading
Learn more about the academic climate and status of Women’s Issues on campus.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Iowa State Daily.
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