We talk a lot these days about how wrong it is to judge colleges on the basis of inputs. But as universities start to make serious cuts, there’s a danger that the “input mentality” will guide the process by protecting the most popular majors.

Perhaps we should look at what Chinese universities are doing, says Jay Schalin. They are about to evaluate — and cut where necessary — those academic departments from which graduates are having trouble getting jobs. Jay writes:

The United States does not need more baristas with sociology or psychology degrees (two popular majors with comparatively little professional employment potential).