I guess we can file this story under the higher education bubble.

HT to Instapundit.

Kaitlin Mulhere of the Sentinel Source reports.

Franklin Pierce University to cut six academic programs

Franklin Pierce University said Wednesday it will stop offering degrees in six academic programs, effective immediately.

The university will no longer offer majors or minors in American studies, theater and dance, graphic communications, fine arts, math, and arts management.

Full-time faculty in those departments will be reassigned to teach in other areas, and all students will be able to complete their majors.

But the university will not allow any new entrants to those programs or offer any degrees after May 2016, according to an email to faculty from Kim Mooney, provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Franklin Pierce has about 1,400 students enrolled in its Rindge undergraduate campus and about 800 students at four graduate centers.

Franklin Pierce spokeswoman Lisa Murray said she didn’t know how many students were affected by the cuts. A student post on Facebook said about 140 students were in those programs, according to a meeting Franklin Pierce President James F. Birge had with student leaders.

Murray also didn’t know how many part-time faculty or staff members who work in those departments would be affected.

She pointed out that students will still be able to take some courses in those areas; they just won’t be able to earn a major or minor. She didn’t know how many courses would be cut.

The university offers 25 majors and 35 minors, according to its website.

Administrators said the decision was made to allow the university to focus resources on programs that “attract, retain and prepare students for the personal and professional futures that await them,” according to the email.

Birge said in December that the university’s senior administration was in the process of evaluating all majors to help the university overcome challenges that small, private liberal arts colleges are facing, including limited financial resources and strong competition for students.