As University degree programs are placed on the chopping block, some students are questioning their academic and professional futures.
The Board of Regents is currently reviewing 34 University degree programs that were identified as “under-performing” in January because of low graduation and enrollment rates. The programs will be extended, consolidated or terminated upon review.
Students currently enrolled in the degree programs at risk of termination have been told that, if eliminated, they will be able to complete their degree path and graduate in that subject.
But how much will a degree from an eliminated program be worth?
“Students will have to say, ‘I have a degree from a program that has been cut,'” Michelle Massé, director of Women’s and Gender Studies, said Feb. 15. “It does, indeed, diminish the value of that degree.”
Massé said she is disappointed and frustrated on behalf of University students enrolled in under-performing programs under evaluation.
“I think they are being played with, and their rights to an education are being tampered with,” she said.
The WGS program will be consolidated into a concentration in liberal arts because of low-completion rates.
“It makes it seem like the degree wasn’t worth the time and energy,” said Lainie Clark, business sophomore. “It looks like it’s not important enough to keep.”
Clark said future employers might look into the program’s worth.
But Joan Gallagher, associate director for student services at Career Services, said employers typically look at the individual more than the degree’s history.
“It really depends on the field,” Gallagher said. “For something technical, like computer science, employers may look into the degree more carefully, but for other majors it won’t be nearly as important.”
Gallagher said acquiring a degree from a canceled program should not affect its value in the short run. She said employers will “look at you, not the status.”
“Program eliminations do not undermine the work students put in,” she said. “A degree is worth what you make of it.”
Gallagher said any student concerned about his or her future should look into internships in his or her field. She said it’s important to build a solid foundation and network, and if students establish a “strong footing,” there should be nothing to worry about for future job prospects.
“It is incumbent upon students to defend their programs,” Gallagher said.
Robbie Mahtook, business freshman, agreed, saying the degrees are still worthwhile.
“You’re still getting a degree that says you graduated from LSU,” Mahtook said. “Just because [the University] doesn’t have it anymore doesn’t mean it wasn’t here or it’s not as good.”
Kyle Marston, international studies sophomore, said while his degree program has not been cut, programs in his college have suffered. He said the programs at risk are still honorable programs.
“I don’t put value in the degree itself. I put value in the quality of my education,” Marston said.
 
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]