University of Utah will cut 81 programs to align with state rules

SALT LAKE CITY — Eighty-one programs will be cut at the University of Utah to help the school align with new rules from the state aimed at prioritizing high-demand and better-paying careers.

All 81 either graduated no students or just one student in the last eight years, according to a release on the school’s website.

Program cuts come after review

School leaders have been reviewing academic programs at the University of Utah as part of a new state law, HB 265. The U. lost nearly $20 million under the state’s higher education budget, but has the possibility to gain that funding back by reinvesting the money in programs with a better return on investment — higher demand degrees or certificates that pay better and serve the state’s needs better. 

University of Utah Provost Mitzi Montoya thanked the school’s academic leaders for their work identifying which programs should go in a memo sent last month. 

“These decisions reflect careful consideration and consultation with college, school and departmental leadership,” she wrote. 

Humanities, fine arts, among program cuts

The affected programs include many humanities and fine arts degrees and certificates, but also programs in medicine, engineering, science and business. You can see the full list of affected programs here. 

The legislature mandated the review as part of its higher education budget. Colleges and universities had to provide their list of program cuts by later this month as part of a plan to re-invest funding in higher-demand degrees.  Only those with very low enrollment will be cut. 

According to the release, students currently enrolled in affected programs will receive support to complete their degrees. The state legislature and Utah System of Higher Education will review the proposed program cuts next. 

Related: 

• 3-year bachelor’s degree programs on tap at Weber State, Utah Valley University
• Utah Tech University looking at possible degree program cuts
• University of Utah to give college credit for missionary, military or humanitarian service

Follow @KSLbbruce