UNC is dropping Majors

Philosophy, Drama, French Literature, and Sociology are on the list.

July 30, 2024

“Most people work hard enough to not get fired and get paid enough not to quit.” George Carlin

The University of North Carolina System has 19 universities, and an enrollment of 250,000 students. Universities include UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, Appalachian State, UNC Charlotte, East Carolina University, and 14 other universities.

At two of the universities, enrollment is declining. UNC Asheville (2,900 students) and UNC Greensboro (16,000 students) have seen an enrollment decline of 20-25% over the last 4-5 years. Decline in student enrollment equates to loss of revenue. UNC Asheville has a $6 million budget shortfall.

So, both universities have made decisions to curtail about 24 curriculum offerings, and thus reduce teaching staffs. I support these moves since both universities are state/federally supported.

Cuts in the degree programs include Religious Studies, Drama, Philosophy, German language, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, (Ugh!) Anthropology, Geography Education, and others. Interestingly, at UNC-Asheville only 4 students of 2,900 selected Philosophy as their major and the university has 6 tenured professors in that curriculum. What do they do all day?? Ancient Mediterranean Studies had 3 students.

Of course, the faculty senate at UNC Greensboro condemned the course reductions.

The good news is that both universities have seen sharp declines in liberal arts student enrollment. See chart above. My advice to incoming students, select a major that will lead to employment. Duh!