MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — The number of undergraduates pursuing teaching careers at Ball State University has fallen sharply in the past decade, and educators say they are concerned about a similar trend nationwide.

The Star Press reports enrollment in Ball State's elementary and kindergarten teacher-preparation programs has fallen 45 percent in the past decade. Enrollment in all undergraduate teacher-preparation programs has dropped 15 percent in the last two years.

Experts say negative perceptions of public education, stricter teacher evaluations, compensation concerns and higher admission standards could be factors in the decline.

Teacher layoffs during the Great Recession also acted as a deterrent.

Ball State has seen growth in its online master's degree for applied behavioral analysis with an emphasis on autism despite the drop in elementary and kindergarten teacher-preparation programs.