Clark University to Close Three Degree Programs: What This Means for Students and the Future of Education

Clark University in Worcester is shutting down three degree programs and modifying a fourth due to a significant drop in enrollment and other challenges. The affected programs include Francophone studies, ancient civilization, and comparative literature. The university will also revamp its studio arts major.

Current students in these programs can complete their degrees, but new students won’t be able to enroll. The courses have already been taken off the academic calendar for 2025-2026, as announced by Clark in a statement.

The university’s language, literature, and culture department is looking to create a new major that would incorporate elements from the phased-out programs. Meanwhile, the studio arts major is being redesigned to better address issues within the program, particularly its dependence on part-time faculty. Collaboration with the Becker School of Design and Technology and the computer science department is expected to enhance the new major, which is planned for fall 2026.

Despite these closures, Clark has not yet experienced any staff layoffs, though future personnel decisions are still pending. This move reflects a broader effort at the university to adapt to challenges in higher education and a decline in student enrollment, reported partly due to issues with the 2024 FAFSA rollout.

In an email, Clark emphasized the importance of making tough decisions to ensure a sustainable future. The university aims to strengthen its reputation in areas of historical excellence and prioritize career outcomes for students. Given national demographic shifts that have affected college enrollments, these changes have become urgent.

Clark acknowledges the difficulty of change and appreciates the dedication of its faculty and their passion for teaching. The decision to discontinue the programs was made after careful consideration and approval from the school’s Planning and Budget Review Committee.

With college enrollments generally declining, this trend reflects a wider issue in higher education. According to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, college enrollment has decreased by 4.1% from 2022 to 2023, which marks a significant concern for many institutions.

As universities navigate these shifting landscapes, they must balance tradition with the evolving needs of students and the job market. These changes at Clark may serve as a case study for other institutions grappling with similar challenges.

For further insights on college enrollment trends, you can refer to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s report.

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