Sometimes colleges eliminate academic majors to save money. The University of Louisiana abolished philosophy. Michigan State killed classics. Well now Baker University, a private school in Baldwin City, Kansas, has taken the radical step of ending five subjects. According to an article in the Lawrence Journal-World:
The move takes effect in the fall semester of 2010 and will save the university about $400,000, said Steve Rottinghaus, Baker director of public relations. The savings come from the retirement of four professors and the relocation of seven others into different positions after the spring semester.
The moves were made after reviewing findings of a committee that had analyzed all majors. They affect about 30 nonfreshman students.
The axed subjects aren’t exactly wildly impractical, however. As a result of the decision Baker students will no longer be able to major in molecular bioscience, wildlife biology, computer information systems, physical education, or political science.
Professor Bruce Anderson will no longer have an academic job at Baker next year, as the university has eliminated his position as associate professor of political science. He will, however, continue on as head coach of the Baker tennis team.
Patti Greenbaum, the president of the Baker student senate, was very disturbed by her school’s elimination of some majors: “I mean, what colleges don’t have a political science major?” she asked. “I really want to know.”
