In his State of the Union Address last month, President Barack Obama spoke about “winning the future.” He emphasized the importance of math and science as well as the need for more teachers.
But that emphasis, which has become so important to ASU in recent years, appears to be taking a hit with the University’s planned budget cuts. The most recent list of programs getting the ax includes two undergraduate programs and 27 graduate programs. These programs will not be cut until they undergo an internal review, and students should have enough time to complete their degree work, but no more applications will be accepted for admission.
Engineering special studies and housing and community development are the two bachelor’s programs that are being cut, while the long list of master’s programs set for elimination include aerospace engineering, industrial engineering and higher and postsecondary education.
These program cuts are a result of low enrollment, faculty retirements and budget constraints. While we understand that cuts must be made — the state Legislature is looking to take another $170 million from the university system — it is disheartening to see these programs dismantled, especially at a time when our nation is pushing for more math and science.
The 29 programs currently hold about 500 students total. The good news in this is that these students will have a certain amount of time to finish their degree programs, and most have the option to transfer into similar programs.
“In many cases, students with [specific] interests will have another program their work could fall under. We’re hoping the students will see there are other programs for them.” Suzanne Painter, director of the division of educational leadership and innovation for West campus, told The State Press.
Thankfully, the University has left no stone unturned. Students in these programs will still be able to end up with a degree they intended to pursue.
While dismantling degrees is detrimental — it leaves fewer programs to offer and attract students — the University is proposing 11 new graduate programs and six new bachelor’s programs. Though our degree programs will result in a net loss, some of the new areas of study have the potential to become influential.
A bachelors degree in food industry management and minors in sustainable tourism and alternative energy entrepreneurship are among the undergraduate programs being added. Two of the 11 graduate degrees added are global technology development and health care delivery.
Even though we are losing some valuable programs, we are gaining important ones as well. Overall it looks like the New American University will remain influential, just maybe in areas we didn’t expect — or even know about.
