One of the 17 University of North Carolina campuses could stop offering degrees in physics, history and political science.

Elizabeth City State University, a 2,300-student historically black college in northeastern North Carolina, is talking about ending seven undergraduate degree programs because of state funding declines and enrollment shortfalls, said Provost Ali Khan.

The majors are considered “low productive” by UNC’s general administration office, Khan said. Elizabeth City is not alone -- about 11 percent of all academic programs in the system have been given the same designation. While many public systems are pushing to eliminate programs without high enrollments, the programs on the chopping block at Elizabeth City are among those many educators say are essential at any undergraduate institution....