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UW Proposes Degree Program Cuts

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming says it is considering the elimination of six bachelor’s degrees, eight master’s degrees, and two doctoral degrees as part of its mandated budget cuts. 

Bachelor’s degrees recommended for elimination are: American Studies, Russian, energy systems engineering, art education, modern language education, and technical education.  

Masters degrees proposed for elimination are: French, German, neuroscience's, philosophy, food science and human nutrition, sociology, environmental engineering, as well as adult and post-secondary education.

 Ph.D. programs that would be eliminated are: Adult and post-secondary education, and statistics.

The departments being considered for consolidation or re-configuring are American Studies, Statistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and the Science and Math teaching center. 

UW faculty, staff, students and others can comment on this proposal through November 19. University have focused on low enrollment programs saying that the six bachelor’s degrees in question are only serving 97 students and the either Master’s programs have just 33 students. All of those students will be allowed to finish their degrees. University President Laurie Nichols says the cuts are necessary due to the energy downturn. She added that she’s currently not overly worried about campus morale.

“I guess I’m not of the opinion that it’s terribly low. I do think people are concerned and there’s a lot of good questions are being asked and right now I think shared governance is at its best. Because we all have all kinds of faculty groups working on this right now.”

Administrators will review comments and then make their recommendations to the Board of Trustees in February. 

Bob Beck retired from Wyoming Public Media after serving as News Director of Wyoming Public Radio for 34 years. During his time as News Director WPR has won over 100 national, regional and state news awards.
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