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UChicago Pauses Ph.D. Admissions Across Arts, Humanities and Professional Schools

Faculty objections over the opaque decision coincide with working groups finalizing cost-saving recommendations by the end of August

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Overview

  • The university will accept smaller cohorts in seven Arts & Humanities Ph.D. programs and suspend admissions in eight other departments for the 2026–27 academic year while current students remain enrolled.
  • The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice and parts of the Harris School of Public Policy will pause new doctoral intakes for one year.
  • Administration cites budget deficits driven by rising costs, debt and shifts in federal and international student policies as reasons for the measures.
  • Dean Deborah Nelson announced the cuts independently of faculty working-group recommendations, prompting criticism over governance and transparency.
  • Faculty committees are expected to present comprehensive structural and mission review proposals by the end of August, leaving the long-term status of programs uncertain.