UT Austin Eliminated Race and Gender Studies Majors

The university consolidated several degree programs under a new Department of Social and Cultural Analysis.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Higher Education

UT Austin Eliminated Race and Gender Studies Majors

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Should public universities continue to offer specialized gender and ethnic studies degree programs?

The University of Texas at Austin has eliminated its African and African Diaspora Studies, Mexican American and Latino Studies, Women's and Gender Studies, and Race, Indigeneity and Migration majors. Currently enrolled students are permitted to complete their existing degree programs.

Why it matters

The university aims to resolve organizational fragmentation by consolidating academic interests into a singular Department of Social and Cultural Analysis. The changes follow a May 2026 policy shift that granted UT System presidents broader authority to close academic programs.

The university is currently reviewing 100 courses for a new 36-hour core curriculum requirement. Faculty are working to develop a single major to consolidate academic interests following the closure of four prior programs.

The players

University of Texas at Austin

This public research university is a major academic institution based in Austin that is currently restructuring its liberal arts curriculum.

Texas A&M

This university is a peer institution that previously eliminated its own women's and gender studies degree program.

The details

The provost's office rejected departmental proposals intended to maintain the individual existing majors. While these specific degrees have been cut, the university is moving toward a more centralized model within the new Department of Social and Cultural Analysis.

Texas A&M eliminated its women's and gender studies program in January 2026.
The UT System implemented a program-closure policy in May 2026.
The University of Texas at Austin announced the elimination of majors on September 18, 2026.

Culture Shift

The elimination of these majors reflects a broader trend of administrative consolidation within state university systems in Texas. This shift parallels actions taken at Texas A&M and indicates a strategic move to centralize academic oversight in higher education.

Students currently enrolled in the affected majors will be allowed to finish their degree programs as planned. Future applicants and current students should consult with academic advisors to understand how the upcoming 36-hour core curriculum will integrate into their graduation requirements.

The takeaway

The restructuring at UT Austin signifies a significant change in how public universities manage specialized academic departments. Students in the affected fields should prioritize ongoing communication with the department to stay informed as the new major replaces legacy programs.