Rick Scott, Governor of Florida, wants the 12 state universities to freeze tuition rates in certain majors like engineering or biotechnology. He is also calling on the state’s 28 colleges to offer certain degrees for $10,000 based on the needs of society and whether or not the students find jobs after graduation. It is fairly obvious that among the majors not needed are history or English or--dare I say it--political science.
This whole idea may be something of a gimmick. According to Lizette Alvarez in the December 12 New York Times, “State spending per student declined 26% from 2006 to 2011....” Last year Florida cut higher ed by another $300 million. Governor Scott may simply be trying to divert attention from his past policies.
Even if he is sincere, what should government do to steer students in certain directions? At San Jose State engineering and computer sciences were far more popular majors than English or political science because that’s where the jobs were. It was my experience that people who majored in political philosophy or environmental studies were the kind of people who had other interests besides making money.
Or it may have been because political science majors never really got algebra or calculus. I speak from personal experience here.
It is troubling to think that most people only evaluate intelligence by math ability. From my experience, it has been tough being intelligent in other realms than math. I have always felt that people don't think your as smart as .you are because you don't excel in the math side of life.
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