Sixteen academic program majors are being eliminated at Iowa Wesleyan College. College President Steven Titus announced the “reorganization” of academic programs, administrative departments and personnel. The changes will impact 22 faculty positions and 23 staff positions, effective this fall. The cuts are expected to save the school $3 million annually. The programs closures include: studio art, history, pre-law studies, sociology, philosophy of religion, communication and mass communication, forensic science, general studies and seven teacher education endorsement areas.

School officials report that the school will focus on high demand programs and student enrollment, including: business administration, nursing, elementary and early childhood education, educational functions, human services, physical education, exercise science and wellness, visual communication and design, psychology, Christian studies, pre-medical studies, biology, criminal justice, English and music.

Reportedly, changes to academic programs will only impact students starting in the fall of 2014 or later, but not current students.

Also, Iowa Wesleyan College is establishing partnerships with two-year community colleges in an effort to provide adult transfer and degree completion programs. And, the college is providing dual credit courses for high school students at area school districts. Other areas that school is looking to expand include online education, upgrades to residence halls, and aggressive student recruitment.

Founded in 1842, Iowa Wesleyan College is in Mt. Pleasant and serves approximately 600 students.

Messages left for Dr. Titus from KCII News were not returned prior to this story’s posting.