The University of Utah could be cutting over 80 degrees, yours may be on the list

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The University of Utah signed off on a list of over 80 programs that could be discontinued. Some programs may surprise you.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, the university’s Board of Trustees approved a list of courses and degree programs that could be discontinued. The university says the listed programs were selected by analyzing enrollment and graduation numbers.

“We recognize the weight of these decisions and the importance of shared governance in managing this process with transparency and integrity,” Provost Mitzi Montoya said in a memo to academic leaders.

The following list displays programs that could be cut. (Minors and certificate programs are not listed).

To view the full list of programs, click here.

The strategic reinvestment bill

The cuts come as part of a reinvestment plan that is required under H.B. 265. University leaders say the required changes are part of a broader transformation that is already underway.

H.B. 265, which was signed into law in March of 2025, requires universities to create a reinvestment plan to reallocate funding from certain programs to other programs that “merit additional investment.”

The bill also requires the Utah Board of Higher Education to grant accelerated three-year degrees.

On both the House and Senate floors, the bill passed largely on party lines. Nearly every Republican voted in favor while all but four Democrats voted in contrary to the reinvestment.

What’s next?

Phase one of the reinvestment plan is expected to last three-years and reallocate over $19 million, according to a University of Utah press release. University leadership anticipates more intense cuts could come later on in the reinvestment process.

“We recognize that there will be further, more painful rounds of cuts and restructurings, but we hope this can serve as a precedent and model,” Senate President Richard Preiss told trustees.

Students currently enrolled in programs that could be cut will receive pathways to degree completion through so-called “teach out plans,” Montoya said. However, some students may be referred to alternative programs.

Utah State University also released a list of programs that could be cut under the reinvestment bill in April.

The above list contains a simplified version of many programs and does not include specifics of emphasis or languages within some programs.