By Illinois Radio Network
Does it make economic sense for each of Illinois’ nine public universities to offer philosophy degrees? How about anthropology? Are all of them offering communications degrees?
State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Dist. 18) thinks it may benefit students and the universities to narrow the focus.Cunningham posed a question: “Do we want to strategically have our students funneled toward universities that are really strong in certain areas, (schools) that become centers of excellence in certain areas?”
Cunningham said he’s not talking about closing any of Illinois’ public universities, but he thinks it’s time to let Illinois State University focus on teachers and insurance adjusters, let Western Illinois University focus on criminal justice and let the University of Illinois handle engineering students.
Western Illinois University Budget Director Matt Bierman said there is a tremendous benefit in focusing on a school’s brand.”We can no longer be all things to all people and still be able to keep our costs flat, or level, or going down” Bierman said.
Cunningham said there’s money to be saved by trimming the common degrees offered at most universities in the state.
Bierman said schools will always offer a “robust general education” program. But he says campuses may trim the number of majors or degree programs they offer.WIU started down this road earlier this year. The school in Macomb ended African-American studies, philosophy, religious studies and women’s studies programs because of the cost and poor attendance.
