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<p>Then we could simply abolish those majors that are not good feeders to anything. Let’s face it - certain majors, notably many of the ‘Studies’ majors - are not strong pathways to anything but seem only to serve as ‘safety majors’ for many students who merely want an easy degree while putting in minimal work. The ‘Studies’ majors are ironically filled with plenty of people who are not actually interested in ‘studying’. {To be clear, some students indeed care about those topics and work hard, but many do not.} </p>
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<p>But even Harvard doesn’t have the sheer proliferation of majors that Cal does. More importantly, Cal’s budgetary woes far outweigh the relatively minor problems that Harvard is facing. If Cal had the money, they could afford to maintain every program as is, including programs that don’t seem to offer a high value-add. But Cal doesn’t have the money.</p>
<p>But to be clear, I am not opposed to reducing the Cal student population, and indeed, I’ve proposed precisely that numerous times on other threads. But as long as state funding comprises a significant percentage of the university budget, then it is only fair that Cal be able to demonstrate that they are delivering a high return on that state funding, and that’s an easier case to make if Cal stops offering certain low-paying majors. </p>
<p>Another tactic that could be used is that Cal could declare that taxpayer subsidies not be directed towards students in certain majors. Those majors would still be offered and students would be free to choose them, but they would have to pay out of their own pocket. For those who believe that to be a draconian proposal, surely you would agree that it’s less drastic than eliminating the major entirely. If taxpayer funding is at stake, then it is entirely appropriate that the taxpayer receive a high return on their investment. Price signals can be used to channel students towards more marketable majors.</p>
<p>At a time of budget cuts for all California public universities, where every school in the state needs to justify its level of state funding, Cal Poly can tout its high rate of return, achieved largely by channeling a highly disproportionate percentage of its students to high-paying majors. Perhaps Cal should consider doing the same.</p>