Texas holds firm on physics closures

Nature : Texas remains determined to phase out “low-performing” physics programs at state-funded universities if they fail to graduate at least 25 students every five years. This could affect nearly half of the 24 undergraduate physics programs in the state. The plans are consistent with the business-based approach advocated by Texas governor Rick Perry; they are also being considered by Florida governor Rick Scott as a way to reduce higher-education budgets in his state. While other undergraduate programs in Texas will be subject to the same metrics, physics programs are more at risk because they tend to enroll fewer students to begin with. Many smaller programs that don’t meet the metric are in areas with predominantly African American, Hispanic, or other disadvantaged populations. Cutting programs in those areas could deny minority students access to science-related education. About 35% of undergraduate degrees in physics awarded in the US go to students in programs that don’t meet the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requirements.