The University of Houston system has decided to close its undergraduate degree in religious studies, dealing another blow to liberal arts education in the United States as universities rapidly respond to declining student demand and workforce-driven academic priorities.The University System’s Board of Regents approved the closure Thursday after officials concluded the program no longer attracts enough students to remain viable, the Houston Chronicle reported. While currently enrolled students will still be allowed to complete their degrees, the program will officially close in 2032. However, the university will continue to offer a minor in religious studies.
The university reports weak enrollment numbers.
University leaders said the decision was driven primarily by continued low enrollment and state performance requirements.“This is another one of those cases where the courses are popular, but the degree program itself is not,” said Reno Khatoor, chancellor of the University of Houston system, as quoted by the Houston Chronicle. Khatoor added that the university plans to maintain student access to the subject through a minor program, allowing courses in the curriculum and academic interest to continue.Officials said only 15 students are currently enrolled in the program, but noted that five of them are either not actively pursuing a degree or not making progress toward completion.The university also pointed to regulations set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which require institutions to graduate at least 25 students over a five-year period. University officials acknowledged that the religious studies program was unlikely to meet that standard.
Humanities programs face increasing pressure.
The closings reflect a broader shift in American higher education, where liberal arts and humanities departments are increasingly struggling to attract students concerned about career outcomes, tuition costs and job security after graduation.Regent Lynden B. Rose said the decline in interest in religious studies is not unique to Houston and mirrors a broader national trend.Over the past decade, the University of Houston has already phased out several foreign language programs, including German, Italian and French, after experiencing similar enrollment declines.Diane Chase, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, said the university made repeated attempts to revive the program before deciding to close it.“College and department heads have worked hard to try and build enrollment,” Chase said, according to the Houston Chronicle. He noted that the university expanded faculty, modified courses and introduced other changes in an effort to attract students. However, he said interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in religious studies is limited.Chase also clarified that no religious studies faculty members would lose their jobs. Courses related to religion and culture will continue to be taught even after the degree program is phased out.
A broad debate on the future of the liberal arts
The decision is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over the future of humanities education in American universities. While liberal arts advocates argue that subjects such as philosophy, history, languages and religious studies foster critical thinking and cultural understanding, universities are under increasing pressure to justify programs through enrollment figures and employment outcomes.As institutions face tighter budgets and students pursue degrees with clear economic returns, humanities minors across the country are finding themselves under increasing scrutiny. The move by the University of Houston now adds religious studies to a growing list of academic programs being restructured in light of these realities.
