University Of Kansas Considers Cutting Film And Religious Studies Degrees Amidst Program Review
The University Of Kansas (KU) is weighing the elimination of its Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) in Film & Media studies and a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies. Thes decisions are part of a broader review of academic programs within the university system.
Additionally, five other liberal arts degree programs are under increased scrutiny and may face similar reviews in the near future.
Proposed program Cuts At KU
University Leaders Will Propose the degree eliminations too the Kansas Board Of Regents this week.The Board Of Regents are intensifying pressure on state universities to assess the viability of their degree programs.
Last Year, KU placed eleven degree programs on notice, requiring improvements in enrollment and performance metrics. However, no programs were cut during that initial review.
Details On The Degree Programs Facing Elimination
A Committee Appointed By KU Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer steadfast that the Film and Religious Studies programs couldn’t sustain their current offerings due to low enrollment and graduation rates. The University plans a “phase out,” meaning no new students will be admitted,but current students will be supported until they complete their degrees.
According to a memo to Regents, faculty departures and new hires with expertise in film and media production, rather than “studies,” drove the decision to eliminate the doctorate in film and media studies. The program also struggled with enrollment, barely meeting the minimum of five full-time students and failing to meet the minimum of two graduates per year.
Similarly, the Master’s In Religious Studies program failed to meet minimum enrollment targets of 12 students and five graduates per year.
Programs Under Review: Action Plans Required
The Master’s Program In African & African American Studies is among five programs required to develop an “action plan.” this plan mandates improvements over the next three to four years to maintain its degree status.
While Covid-19 Pandemic caused enrollment declines, numbers have started to rebound. However, with only seven students, the program remains below the recommended minimum of 12 and needs to increase its graduation rate.
To boost enrollment, KU plans to implement an accelerated program allowing students to obtain both undergraduate and master’s degrees in five years. They’re also considering an online master’s program targeting high school teachers-one of the few in the contry and the only one in the Big 12 Conference.
Pro Tip: Consider online programs to reach a wider audience and increase enrollment figures.
Additional Programs Requiring Action Plans:
- Master’s In Classics: Needs higher enrollment despite meeting graduation metrics. Strategies include increased scholarship offerings and reduced requirements for advanced Greek and Latin courses.
- master’s In East Asian languages And Cultures: Fails to meet both enrollment and graduation metrics.Plans involve targeted recruitment of foreign language majors and an accelerated Master’s program.
- Master’s In Film And Media Studies: The university intends to maintain and reorganize the Master’s program with a greater emphasis on film and media production, despite eliminating the doctorate program.
- Master’s In Education And Social Policy: With 11 students, it falls short of the minimum five graduates per year. KU leaders argue the program “fills an important need” and are considering merging it with another education school master’s program by Spring 2026.
Engineering Program Mergers
KU Is Recommending the merger of two programs in the engineering and sciences fields for the next school year. The Doctorate In Environmental & Water Resources Science would merge into the doctorate program for Environmental & Water Resources Engineering. A similar merger is proposed for the master’s programs.
Regents’ Meeting And Future Steps
the Regents Will Consider these recommendations at their meeting this Wednesday in Topeka. However, the eliminations of the Film and Religious Studies degrees will not be finalized immediately.
KU Leaders will Submit the recommendations to KU’s faculty governance committees in the Fall 2025 semester.
| Program Status | Degree Level | Department | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposed Elimination | PhD | Film & Media Studies | Low enrollment, faculty shift towards production |
| Proposed Elimination | Master’s | Religious Studies | Low enrollment and graduation rates |
| Action Plan Required | Master’s | African & African American Studies | Low enrollment, needs graduation rate advancement |
| Action Plan Required | Master’s | Classics | Needs higher enrollment |
| Action Plan Required | Master’s | East Asian Languages and Cultures | Low enrollment and graduation rates |
| Action Plan Required | Master’s | Film and Media Studies | Reorganization towards production focus |
| Action Plan Required | Master’s | Education and Social Policy | Low graduation rates, potential merger |
The Broader Context Of University Program Reviews
Program Reviews are Increasingly common in higher education as universities grapple with budget constraints, changing student interests, and pressures to demonstrate value. According To A 2023 Study By the American Council On Education, over 60% of universities have conducted program reviews in the past five years, with a notable portion leading to consolidation or elimination of programs.
These Reviews Typically involve assessing enrollment numbers, graduation rates, faculty expertise, and alignment with the university’s strategic goals. The Goal Is to Ensure resources are allocated efficiently and that academic offerings remain relevant and competitive.
Did You Know? Many universities are now incorporating alumni feedback and industry trends into their program review processes to better align curriculum with career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About KU Program Changes
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Why Is KU Considering Eliminating The Film & Media Studies PhD Program?
The Decision to Eliminate the film & Media Studies phd program is driven by low enrollment numbers and a shift in faculty expertise towards film and media production rather than “studies.”
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What Will Happen To Current students In The Religious Studies Master’s Program?
Current students In The Religious Studies Master’s program will be supported until they complete their degrees as part of a “phase out” process.
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What Are The Main Reasons For Putting The African & African American Studies Program On An “Action plan?”
The African & African American Studies program is on an “action plan” due to low enrollment numbers, although there has been a recent rebound, and a need to improve graduation rates.
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What Strategies Are Being Considered to Improve Enrollment In The Classics Master’s Program?
Strategies To Improve enrollment In The Classics Master’s program include increased scholarship offerings and lowering the amount of advanced Greek and Latin classes needed for admission.
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Why Is The Education And Social Policy Master’s Program Under Review?
The Education And Social policy Master’s program is under review as it isn’t meeting the recommendation of at least five graduates per year, and a merger with another master’s program is being considered.
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How Does The Program Review Impact The Film and media Studies master’s program?
While the doctorate program would be eliminated, the university wants to maintain the Film and Media Studies master’s program but reorganize it to have an increased emphasis on film and media production.
What Do you Think?
What Impact Do You Think these Program Cuts Will Have On The University of Kansas?
How Should Universities Balance Budgetary Pressures With Maintaining A Diverse Range Of Academic Programs?
Share Your Thoughts And Opinions Below!
What specific criteria did the University of Kansas use to determine which graduate programs to eliminate, and how did those criteria affect the programs of Film Studies and Religious Studies?
KU to Eliminate Graduate Film & Religious studies Programs: A Deep Dive
The University of Kansas Program Cuts: An Overview
A critically important shift is underway at the University of Kansas (KU). This decision, impacting the KU graduate programs in film and religious studies, has sparked considerable debate. The university has officially announced its intention to eliminate these two programs, raising concerns among students, faculty, and alumni. This article provides a detailed exploration of this controversial decision, the reasons behind it, and its anticipated ramifications.
Key Programs Affected: Film and Religious Studies
The programs slated for elimination are:
- the graduate program in Film Studies.
- The graduate program in Religious Studies.
Both programs currently accommodate various graduate paths. The decision will not immediately affect existing undergraduate programs.
Reasons for Program Elimination at KU: Exploring the Rationale
The university’s decision about KU program cuts stems from several factors, primarily focusing on resource allocation and strategic academic planning to fit a new strategy. Understanding these drivers is crucial for comprehending the situation.
Focus on Resource Allocation and Budget Constraints
A primary reason cited for the elimination of the programs is the need to reallocate resources. Universities, including KU, face constant pressure to manage budgets effectively, especially in the wake of evolving higher education priorities. The budget cuts at KU necessitate a prioritization of programs based on various metrics, including enrollment, research output, and alignment with the university’s strategic goals.
Other factors: Low Enrollment and Limited Funding
Additionally, some departments faced challenges with a low amount of students in the programs and available funding. However, some courses associated with the graduate programs may continue by being integrated into other degree paths.
Here’s a snapshot of why these programs fall under review and were selected for cuts:
| Reason | Impact |
|---|---|
| Low Enrollment Numbers | Reduced financial sustainability and efficiency |
| Funding Constraints | Difficulty in maintaining competitive program quality |
| Strategic focus Shifts | Emphasis on programs aligning with current university priorities |
Impact on Students and Faculty
The decision to eliminate these programs has serious consequences for current and prospective students, along with faculty members. The impact of KU program cuts is a major concern.
Student Perspectives: Future Paths and Options
Existing students face significant uncertainty. They must make challenging decisions: how to finish their degree programs? Will they transfer to another institution? The university needs to address these concerns transparently, offering resources and guidance.
Faculty Concerns: Employment and Research
Faculty members are also under consideration. Their roles, job security, and research possibilities are under scrutiny. The university is facing the need to retain expertise for future needs, which brings in the need of open discussions.
Consider, for example, a film studies professor at KU who specializes in documentary film. This professor may now have to seek choice employment or adjust their career trajectory, reflecting the broader implications of these budgetary decisions.
The Future of Film and Religious Studies at KU
The Path Ahead: Department restructuring and possibilities
Consequently of these budget choices, some schools may get help from other departments, while others might face cuts. The elimination will happen over time, with plans of having everyone transition to new plans by 2026.
It’s significant to understand the impact of these changes. However, other schools may absorb a new student or program, which will help the future of KU academics.
Community Response: Reactions and discussions
The decision has been met with a mix of emotions on campus. Students, faculty, and the wider community have expressed their opinions.
Such as:
- Student Protests and Advocacy: Student groups may organize protests or engage in advocacy campaigns to voice their displeasure and push for program restructuring.
- Faculty Dialogue: Faculty members may have meetings with the university administration to address concerns.
- Alumni Involvement: Alumni could be involved in the university’s discussions on possible solutions.
This public platform is necessary to ensure that those taking advantage of education are represented in these decisions.
