Iowa State University is preparing to cut or merge 23 degree programs after a state-mandated review tied to low enrollment thresholds. Provost Jason Keith is advancing proposals that would eliminate 10 degrees—five undergraduate and five graduate—and consolidate an additional 13. The university’s list for potential closure includes fields such as women’s and gender studies, religious studies, environmental studies, and several graduate programs including biophysics and toxicology. Iowa State says it will allow currently enrolled students to complete degrees, while ending new admissions once regents approve the changes. The plan also includes consolidation examples, such as merging multiple graduate physics offerings and combining earth science and geology. The regents vote is expected later this month, making this a near-term decision point for staffing, curriculum planning, and workforce alignment.