Grace College is discontinuing its music program beginning in May, causing students to switch majors or transfer and a handful of faculty to lose their jobs.

Fifteen students who have accumulated enough credit hours as of December will be able to graduate from the Winona Lake college as music majors, but 22 other students are being encouraged to change majors or transfer to other colleges, according to a written statement posted on the college’s Web site. Grace officials are working with several other Christian colleges to facilitate transfers.

“As we continually seek ways to enhance the college’s effectiveness, we realize the need for renewed focus and efficiency. The decision to bring an end to Grace’s music program is a difficult one, but one we feel is best for the future of the college,” said Ronald Manahan, president of Grace College and Theological Seminary.

Five faculty members will not have their contracts renewed in May but will qualify for severance. They’ll receive outplacement and counseling services for themselves and their families.

A tuition benefit for employees and spouses who are in a degree program, as well as their dependent children, will continue through spring 2018.

Grace College will continue to be the site of the MasterWorks Festival, a monthlong experience for high school and college students of music and fine arts, through this summer.

“The college recognizes the community impact of MasterWorks, its economic contribution, and most importantly the advancement of the arts in our local culture,” Manahan said in a written statement.