University of North Texas to cut more than 70 programs and minors to trim $45 million deficit

The University of North Texas is cutting or merging more than 70 programs to close a $45 million budget gap. University leaders say the deficit is driven by a sharp decline in international enrollment and reduced state funding. The biggest move will phase out all linguistics degrees and folds the department into world languages. UNT is also dropping a Latino and Latin American studies bachelor’s degree and a women’s and gender studies master’s program. The university is also ending 25 minors and over 40 certificates. Officials say current students can finish, but no new students will be enrolled. Faculty say UNT did not consult them. UNT is also offering faculty buyouts.