The Decline of Humanities Programs in American Universities
· Updated · culture
The Fading Page: Why Humanities Programs Are Disappearing from American Universities
American universities underwent significant transformations in the aftermath of World War II, driven by the GI Bill and federal government investment in higher education. This period saw a surge in enrollment and the proliferation of new programs, including those in the humanities. Once considered essential to producing informed citizens and leaders, these programs are now fading away. Between 2015 and 2020, undergraduate majors in English, history, and philosophy declined by roughly 25%, while graduate program enrollments dropped by over 10% since 2008.
The Role of Federal Funding in Shaping University Curricula
Federal funding has historically played a crucial role in shaping university curricula. Since the passage of the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) in 1958, the federal government has channeled significant sums towards education and research initiatives deemed essential to national security and economic growth. In the humanities, these funds supported programs in language training, area studies, and cultural exchange, aimed at cultivating expertise on emerging regions and fostering a more informed citizenry.
However, in recent years, federal funding priorities have shifted. The America Competes Act (2007) prioritized STEM education, earmarking billions for research and development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. This shift had a chilling effect on humanities programs, as one faculty member noted: “The focus shifted towards ‘practical’ fields that would drive economic growth.” With reduced federal support, humanities departments struggled to compete for resources.
The Rise of STEM Education
The emphasis on STEM education has been driven by a growing perception of its importance to national prosperity. Proponents argue that an educated workforce is essential to maintaining America’s competitive edge and driving innovation. However, this perspective often overlooks the interplay between STEM fields and humanities. Historian James Grossman notes: “The study of history, languages, and cultures provides a foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving – essential skills in any field.” Moreover, students who pursue degrees in the humanities develop valuable transferable skills, including close reading, analysis, and written communication.
Alternative Credentials
The rise of online courses and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has led some to propose them as a solution for declining humanities enrollment. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer high-quality educational content at little or no cost. However, this trend raises more questions than answers. While MOOCs can provide an entry point into the humanities, they lack the academic rigor and peer engagement found in traditional programs.
The Human Cost
As humanities programs continue to disappear, tenure-track faculty positions are dwindling. Many universities have shifted towards adjunct or part-time instructor models, offering precarious working conditions and reduced benefits. Research opportunities for students are also shrinking, as well as engagement with the arts and humanities more broadly. Between 2008 and 2015, there was an average decline of 7% in tenure-track positions per year across all disciplines, according to a report by the Modern Language Association (MLA). Programs in English and foreign languages have been disproportionately affected.
The Future of Humanities Education
In response to these challenges, experts recommend increased investment in digital humanities initiatives – harnessing new technologies to enhance access and engagement with the arts and humanities. Others propose expanded online course offerings that can reach wider audiences while maintaining academic standards. Innovative partnerships between academia and industry may also lead to new research collaborations and funding streams. For instance, Columbia University’s Digital Humanities Center provides resources for faculty and graduate students to develop and deploy digital projects. Institutions like Harvard and Stanford are exploring novel ways of disseminating humanities scholarship through online platforms and partnerships with tech companies.
Reader Views
- DCDrew C. · cultural critic
The humanities' decline in American universities serves as a warning sign for our broader cultural values. By prioritizing STEM fields over humanistic inquiry, we risk producing graduates who are adept at technical problem-solving but ill-equipped to navigate complex social and philosophical issues. The real concern, however, lies not just in the job market, but in the kind of citizens we're fostering: ones who can only respond to economic imperatives rather than critically evaluate the world around them. This may ultimately undermine our democratic foundations.
- PLProf. Lana D. · social historian
While the decline of humanities programs is often attributed to perceived economic priorities, we must also consider the impact of academic consolidation on departmental structures and faculty lines. As universities increasingly centralize administrative functions and promote interdisciplinary research, they are inadvertently eroding the very foundations of humanities scholarship. By prioritizing team-based research over individual expertise, institutions risk homogenizing intellectual pursuits and sacrificing the nuance that comes with specialized knowledge in fields like comparative literature or ancient history.
- TSThe Society Desk · editorial
The humanities' decline is a symptom of a broader issue: the valorization of productivity over critical thinking. While proponents of STEM fields tout their job prospects and economic impact, they overlook the human cost of devaluing disciplines that foster empathy, nuance, and cultural literacy. In reality, graduates from humanities programs often excel in non-traditional careers, such as publishing, law, and public policy, where critical thinking and communication skills are highly prized. It's time to reassess what we mean by "economic efficiency" and recognize the value of a well-rounded education.