New-York tribune., 1901-02-24
the curse against which London is about TO rise
in rovaIt
TIE BACcALAURE4rE DEGREE.

The wisdom of the action just taken by the
University Of Michigan concerning the bacca-
laureate degree Is not apparent. Hitherto that
institution has granted three or four different
degrees, according 10 the courses of study COM
pleied by the graduates. Thus the degree
granted has indicated not only that the recipient
had completed a course of study in the univer-
sity but also with some definteness what that
course was. \ student completing course of
which Greek and Latin classics were cOnspic-
nous features became a Bachelor of Arts; one
completing course in which modern languages
and sciences pTedominated became Bachelor
of Science; one who had devoted himself chiefly
to philosophical studies became a Bachelor of
Philosophy, and so on. Under the new rule all,
no matter what courses they pursue, will be
made Bachelors of Arts.
For this we can see no good reason. while
reasons against IL are obvious. II Is not ques-
ton OF the character of the courses 10 be pur-
sued or OF the value Of tine classics. Those
matters are not affected In The least degree. II
is simply a question whether degree is to mean
something nothing. Under the old system
degree has had definite and specific meaning.
The baccaaureatc degree has indicated the
general character and trend Of the recipients
studies. Just as surely rs the doctors degree
has indicated the nature of his professional
studies in the st-Sraduate school. We do not
suppose any one seriously contemplates estab-
fishing uniform doctors degree for all profes-
sional courses. and thus making theologians
physicians. lawyers. dentists. pedagogues scen-
lists and philosophers all Doctors of Medicine or
Doctors of Music The need Of distinctive doc
torates for the various professions Is obvious.
So it seems to us in 4 similar manner. though
not perhaps in quite equal degree, desirable 10
retain the distinctive baccalaureate designations
Of the various undergraduate courses.
II is we are aware. argued that the degree OF
Bachelor Of Arts does not in terms refer to
classical studies. but Is equally applicable 70
any other course. and so Is well fitted for gen
eral application; and that. moreover. II is more
highly priced than that OF Bachelor OF Science
or If Philosophy. and 50 should he given 70
all that no graduates may feel themselves
sighted with inferior degrees. That may he
quite true. Nevertheless. during many genera
tionS tho degree in arts has been identified with
classical studies so generally and so inseparably
that it has come 10 indicate the completion Of
such a course Just as certainly VI. D. indi-
Gates graduation from course in medicine: and
we believe thar distinctive indication should he
maintained II it he true that the A. b. degree
is more highly priced than others, that means
evidently that the classical course. which alone
esteemed than the courses leading 10 the other
baccalaureate degrees; and there appears no
good reason why the higher degree should he
brought down 10 stand for the lower course.
We are not here and now arguing for the
maintenance Of the old fashioned classical
course. For many a larger pursuit ~ studies
dealing with modern languages and literature
and with the practical sciences may b. best. And
for the purpose OF this discussion these latter
courses may he esteemed equal 70 the others
IN value and scholastic dignity. Nevertheless.
things which are Of equal rank are not neces-
sarily identical and when things are not iden-
teal they should not he called by the sane
name. To give the A. B. degree 10 all gradu-
ates. whether in arts or sciences. whether they
have been studying literature. the classics and
philosophy. or chemistry. engineering and COM
mercial practice, will he 10 make the degree
meaningless. and thus 20 destroy its value.