UNT Cuts 70 Programs, Linguistics Degrees Phase Out

0:00It's March 23rd. This is Canada News today, AI-powered stories from U.S. City. The University of North Texas is slashing or merging more than 70 academic programs, minors and certificates to tackle a projected 45, million-dollar budget shortfall. Key cuts include phasing out all linguistics degrees and eliminating the master's program in women's and gender studies, along with a bachelor's in. Latino and Latin American studies. The shortfall stems mainly from a steep drop in international enrollment, which brings higher tuition plus less state funding. Leaders are merging the linguistics department into world languages starting September 1st, citing low enrollment and high costs since 20, 21. Faculty and students are reeling from the study news. The linguistics chair said they learned Thursday afternoon with no prior input, while a third-year linguistics major called it, Disrespectful, Worrying. It derails her plans for grad school and a career in forensic linguistics.

1:03Meanwhile, the University offered buyouts to veteran faculty, with applications due April 10th, and plans to shift over 40 courses, partly online. This fall for efficiency. Similar moves hit other Texas schools, like Texas A&M, dropping its women's and gender studies program earlier this year. Art students and cut programs can finish their degrees, but no new admins. Officials say these changes better match student and job market needs, as UNT adapts to tough financial realities.