TAMPA, Fla. - University of South Florida officials have announced they are cutting nearly $7 million from the College of Education’s annual budget over the next two years.

That is about one-third of the college’s budget.

The move will basically eliminate the College of Education and put more of a focus on a graduate school of education.

“We will not be abandoning the preparation of teachers,” said Dr. Judith Ponticell, Dean of the College of Education. “We will be looking for models to be able to develop teachers in a different way. And to be able to emphasize our strengths in graduate education.”

University officials said undergrad students currently enrolled in the college of education will receive the curriculum needed for their degree.