American colleges and universities – particularly the public institutions funded mainly by cash-strapped state governments – have suddenly become far more choosey about which new degree programs they launch. In many cases, they’re also moving to cut classes and degree majors that are drawing less interest from students, who are increasingly worried about how they will earn a living after graduation.
New York state’s SUNY of Albany has annouced that it will cut out programs in theater, the classics, and several languages including French and Italian. Philosophy and religion majors, and even some cutting-edge, highly specialized science programs, have been eliminated at other schools. One school, Howard University, a considering cancellation of 20 different degree programs due to financial stresses.
Meanwhile, some professors are hopping mad about the moves, arguing that state universities are being “dumbed down” into four year community colleges, and that atheletic programs should be cut before academic ones. Read more here