The University of Houston core curriculum could soon look much smaller as administrators review courses under a new Texas higher education law. UH may remove nearly 40% of its core curriculum options, or about 100 courses, from the list of classes that satisfy general education requirements.
The proposal remains in draft form. University officials said final decisions have not been made, and the UH System Board of Regents must approve any changes.
University of Houston Core Curriculum Faces Review
The review comes from Senate Bill 37, a Texas law passed in 2025. The law requires public universities to review core curriculum courses using new standards.
Under SB 37, core courses must meet several conditions. They must be foundational, support civic and professional life, prepare students for the workforce, and offer broad knowledge.
As a result, UH administrators reviewed every core course. A working group recommended keeping nearly 160 courses and removing roughly 100 others from the core.
However, removing a course from the core does not automatically cancel it. Students may still take some of those classes as electives or for major requirements.
Courses That Could Lose Core Status
The proposed changes include courses across several subjects. Classes such as “Intro to Global Climate Change,” “Black Liberation Theology,” “Introduction to Women’s Studies,” and “Introduction to LGBT Studies” appear among those recommended for removal.
The cuts do not only affect politically debated topics. Some race and ethnic studies courses could remain in the core, while others could lose core status.
Because core courses help students meet graduation requirements, the decision could affect enrollment. Courses outside the core often attract fewer students, especially from outside a major.
Therefore, faculty members worry that departments in the humanities and social sciences could lose visibility. They also worry that fewer options could create registration bottlenecks in remaining core classes.
Faculty Raise Concerns About Process
Some faculty members have criticized both the recommendations and the review process. Faculty groups have called on UH to halt the review.
Faculty critics argue that the university has interpreted SB 37 too broadly. They also say faculty members had limited involvement before the draft recommendations moved forward.
Meanwhile, UH officials have stressed that the process continues. The university has said the draft recommendations went to faculty for feedback and do not represent final decisions.
That distinction matters. The recommendations still need review from university leadership before they reach the UH System Board of Regents.
What It Means for Students
For students, the biggest concern may involve choice. A smaller core curriculum could limit how students explore subjects outside their major.
It could also affect graduation planning. If fewer core classes remain available, students may compete for seats in the same required areas.
At the same time, supporters of SB 37 say the law aims to keep core classes focused on foundational skills and workforce preparation. The debate now centers on how universities define those goals.
The UH System Board of Regents could consider final recommendations in August. Until then, students, faculty, and families will watch closely as the University of Houston core curriculum review continues.
The outcome could shape how future UH students meet general education requirements. It could also influence how Texas public universities balance workforce preparation, civic education, and broad academic study.