Monmouth College Eliminates Philosophy and Humanities Majors in Major Academic Restructuring
Monmouth College’s Controversial Decision
Monmouth College, a private liberal arts college in Illinois, has announced that students will no longer be able to major in philosophy, nor in a number of other subjects, starting in Fall 2026. Ten “low-demand” majors for the rural liberal arts college, primarily in the humanities and social sciences, are being phased out, including majors such as history, anthropology, philosophy, religious studies, environmental studies, and Spanish.
Why the Changes Are Happening
Monmouth is phasing out ten majors primarily in the humanities and social sciences and enhancing other programs based on student interest and market demand, following a months-long academic program prioritisation process. Six faculty positions are being eliminated as part of the academic restructuring. The majors being phased out represent 7% of current and incoming students. Enrollment at Monmouth has been in the lower 700s, driven in part by what President Draves calls “non-consumers” of higher education, with the number of students not going to college at all increasing over the last ten years.
Community Response and Future Direction
A petition entitled “Save the Humanities at Monmouth College” is now circulating from former majors, minors, friends and supporters of the targeted departments, concerned with the maintenance of the institution’s longstanding commitment to the liberal arts. Monmouth College has announced the creation of six new academic schools offering a robust and holistic academic portfolio, with restructuring designed to expand academic opportunities, realign with student interests, and position the College for long-term growth through stronger advising, integrated curriculum design, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration. The changes will not affect current or incoming Fall 2025 students, though they mark a significant shift in the college’s 172-year history as a liberal arts institution.