Albany State University, a HBCU in Georgia, has announced plans to “deactivate” several programs, including the undergraduate major in English. This means that new students will not be admitted to the major for at least the next two years.

This decision is in response to declines in enrollment during the past 4 years along with budget shortfalls. Data compiled by MLA also show a national decline in undergraduate degrees awarded in English, from a high of 55,518 in 2009 to 52,800 in 2011, and 52,489 in 2013 (Flaherty), with some schools showing marked declines.

The BA in English at Albany State University emphasizes English and American literature, with electives offered in literature, creative writing, composition/rhetoric, and technical writing.

For more information:

“Where Have all the English Majors Gone?” https://www.insidehighered.com/print/news/2015/01/26/where-have-all-english-majors-gone?width=775&height=500&iframe=true

“Albany State U Plans ‘Deactivation’ of 15 Programs” https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/10/27/albany-state-u-plans-deactivation-15-programs

“University Statement Regarding the Deactivation of Specific Programs” http://www.asurams.edu/university-statement-regarding-the-deactivation-of-specific-programs/