UT Austin Adds 6 New Bachelor’s Degrees and 13 Minors for 2026-2028
The University of Texas is expanding its undergraduate curriculum for the 2026-2028 catalog cycle, introducing six new bachelor’s degrees, five certificates, and 13 minors, according to the UT Office of Curriculum and Academic Administration. The programs emphasize current developing issues and topics, including artificial intelligence, national defense and modern technology.
Natural Sciences and Interdisciplinary X+CS Curriculums
The College of Natural Sciences received the greatest share of the new programs, securing three new bachelor’s degrees that merge computational studies with traditional academic fields. According to thedailytexan.com, students can now enroll in neuroscience and computer science, linguistics and computer science, and history and computer science. These X+CS majors are structured to build a foundation in both computer science and a paired discipline, allowing undergraduates to approach complex problems with creativity and precision.
Additional expansion within the College of Natural Sciences includes two new minors: child and family health and human development and family sciences.
Engineering, Strategy, and Institutional Funding
The Cockrell School of Engineering launched applications for a new materials science and engineering major on August 1, with classes scheduled to begin in Fall 2027. University news releases indicate the program focuses on how materials are designed, simulated, tested and improved, including materials behind modern technology, such as batteries and computer chips. The Cockrell School also added a single new minor in nuclear engineering.
Geopolitical and historical studies receive dedicated focus through the Clements Center for National Security and the School of Civic Leadership. The strategy and statecraft major teaches strategic texts alongside diplomatic and military history, while the great books program examines texts deemed foundational to Western civilization. These programs were announced in January after the school received a $10 million grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
catalog Additions Across Professional Schools
Beyond STEM and national security, multiple colleges are expanding their minor and certificate inventories. The Moody College of Communication introduced minors in advertising, radio-television-film, and digital game industries. Meanwhile, the McCombs School of Business added a single new minor in energy studies.
The LBJ School of Affairs opened minor programs in international development and national security. The College of Fine Arts doubled its catalog of minors by adding offerings in dance, theatre, and music. Educational pathways also broaden via the College of Education, which introduced a deaf access certificate and a minor in educational leadership and policy studies. Interdisciplinary certificates in game design and development, community resilience and the environment, and geospatial artificial intelligence round out the catalog updates.