News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin is enhancing its academic programs with two new undergraduate majors: Strategy and Statecraft, and Great Books. Funded by a $10 million grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, these offerings aim to develop future leaders through a foundation in humanities education, critical thinking, and civic engagement. The School of Civic Leadership, established to promote civic education, is central to this initiative, which will create 16 faculty positions and launch in Fall 2027, pending state approval.
Houston, TX — The University of Texas at Austin is set to expand its academic landscape with the introduction of two new undergraduate majors within its School of Civic Leadership: Strategy and Statecraft and Great Books. This significant initiative, bolstered by a $10 million grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders grounded in classical wisdom and strategic foresight.
The launch of these programs underscores a commitment to fostering rigorous intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the foundational principles that shape Western civilization and modern global affairs. These new majors are designed to equip students with the analytical tools and historical perspective necessary to address complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to society, reflecting the importance of robust humanities education in preparing individuals for impactful leadership roles within Texas and beyond.
Elevating Civic Discourse and Leadership
The School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin, established in spring 2023, has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance civic education. This expansion with the new Strategy and Statecraft and Great Books majors addresses a perceived societal need for a stronger foundation in civic understanding and critical engagement with foundational texts. Alexander Duff, an associate professor in the School of Civic Leadership, has articulated the importance of these degrees in providing humanities-based training. He emphasized that a strong grasp of American founding principles and the roots of Western civilization can lead to wiser, more capable judgment and prudent consideration in society.
The school previously welcomed its inaugural cohort for other programs in Fall 2025, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to promoting intellectual diversity and comprehensive civic training. This includes a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) minor and a major in Civics.
Foundations in Strategy and Statecraft
The forthcoming Strategy and Statecraft Major is designed to provide comprehensive, humanities-based training for students aspiring to careers in national security and foreign policy. The curriculum will immerse students in the foundational texts of strategy, offering a deep dive into diplomatic and military history from both American and global perspectives.
Beyond theoretical understanding, the program will integrate technical training and opportunities for internship placements, ensuring students gain practical experience alongside their academic studies. This major aligns with broader efforts at UT Austin to prepare leaders for national and international service. The Clements Center for National Security, established in 2013, already focuses on training national security leaders, drawing on insights from diplomatic and military history. It offers various programs, including an Undergraduate Certificate in Security Studies and a National Security and International Business Minor, which complement the objectives of the new Strategy and Statecraft major.
Furthermore, the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin launched a new Master of National Security degree program, with its first cohort set to begin in Fall 2026. This graduate program prepares students for roles in intelligence analysis, cyber operations, crisis response, and emerging tech policy, highlighting a coordinated institutional focus on national security expertise across different academic levels.
Exploring the Great Books Tradition
The Great Books Major will offer students an in-depth exploration of seminal texts that have profoundly influenced Western civilization, spanning from the ancient world to the modern era. This major is crafted to foster an informed worldview, providing students with critical analytical skills applicable across a wide array of professions.
Students pursuing careers in fields such as medicine or other STEM disciplines, who may encounter complex ethical questions, will benefit from the ability to examine outcomes through a civics-informed lens. The University of Texas at Austin already houses the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Study of Core Texts & Ideas, which champions a liberal education through the rigorous study of great books and offers a Certificate Program in Core Texts and Ideas. This existing framework provides a strong foundation for the new Great Books major, reinforcing the university’s dedication to foundational knowledge and critical inquiry.
A Substantial Investment in Humanities Education
A substantial $10 million grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is providing crucial support for the establishment of these new majors. This federal funding will specifically facilitate the hiring of sixteen new faculty members dedicated to teaching across both the Strategy and Statecraft and Great Books programs.
The NEH, as a major federal funder of the humanities nationwide, supports a diverse range of initiatives in education, research, preservation, and public programming. The grant to UT Austin signifies a national investment in strengthening humanities education and promoting intellectual depth. The new majors are projected to officially launch in Fall 2027, pending final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The university has also affirmed its commitment to providing the necessary financial resources should the proposal be approved.
Cultivating Future Leaders for Texas and Beyond
These new academic offerings at the University of Texas at Austin are poised to significantly impact student development by emphasizing discipline, academic freedom, and personal responsibility. The curricula are designed to instill a profound appreciation for historical context and the enduring questions of human experience, fostering intellectual agility and ethical leadership.
By preparing graduates with a deep understanding of strategic thought, civic principles, and the humanities, UT Austin aims to contribute to the intellectual and economic vitality of Texas. These programs will empower students to become discerning citizens and effective leaders in diverse sectors, ready to navigate a complex world with wisdom and integrity, thereby strengthening communities and institutions across the state and the nation. Readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive academic offerings at the University of Texas at Austin and stay informed about upcoming campus events and program developments.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Undergraduate Majors | Strategy and Statecraft, Great Books |
| Academic Unit | School of Civic Leadership |
| Funding Source | National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant |
| Grant Amount | $10 million |
| New Faculty Positions | 16 |
| Anticipated Launch | Fall 2027 (pending state approval) |
| Strategy and Statecraft Focus | Humanities-based training for national security and foreign policy careers, diplomatic and military history, technical training, internships |
| Great Books Focus | Immersion in texts shaping Western civilization, critical thinking, applicable to various professions including STEM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What new undergraduate majors is the University of Texas at Austin launching?
The University of Texas at Austin is launching two new undergraduate majors: Strategy and Statecraft and Great Books.
Which academic unit will house these new majors?
These new majors will be housed within the School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin.
What is the source of funding for these new academic programs?
The new academic programs are supported by a $10 million grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
How many new faculty members will be hired for these majors?
The grant will fund sixteen new faculty members across both new majors.
When are these new majors expected to launch?
The new majors are expected to launch in Fall 2027, pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
What is the focus of the Strategy and Statecraft Major?
The Strategy and Statecraft Major will provide humanities-based training for students entering national security and foreign policy careers, studying foundational texts of strategy and examining diplomatic and military history from American and global perspectives, combined with technical training and internship placement.
What is the Great Books Major designed to teach students?
The Great Books Major will immerse students in texts that have shaped Western civilization from the ancient world to the modern era, enabling them to apply an informed worldview to decisions they make in their chosen professions, including those in STEM fields facing ethical questions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UT Austin Ranked Among Top 10 Cost-Effective Universities for Tech Graduates
Conservative Changes Reshape UT Austin’s Future
Caddie Earnings Surge as Golfer Dominates the Tour
Texas Private Colleges Ranked for 2026
PGA Tour Returns to Austin with New Golf Tournament
Houston’s Educational Institutions Recognized Nationally
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
