About the Episode
About the Episode:
Jamie and Timothy as they explore the intersection of higher education and data. In this episode, they discuss John Boeckenstedt's analysis of the shifts in bachelor's degrees over the past decade, highlighting surprising trends in STEM and liberal arts fields. Discover the factors influencing these changes, from employment data to high school curriculum adjustments. Whether you're an educator, student, or data enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of higher education.
Key Takeaways
- Rising Demand for STEM Degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees in computer information sciences grew by nearly 250% from 2010 to 2022, driven by STEM-focused education initiatives.
- Other STEM fields, such as natural resources, engineering, and mathematics, have also seen significant growth.
- Decline in Liberal Arts Majors
- Degrees in English (-37%), history (-38%), and philosophy (-34%) have seen steep declines.
- While liberal arts are still pursued as secondary majors, their prominence as primary majors is diminishing.
- Overall Increase in Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- Despite concerns about the population cliff, bachelor’s degree awards increased by 29% over the past 12 years, reflecting higher enrollment and completion rates.
- Liberal Arts Has a Marketing Problem
- As Seth Odell of The Higher Ed Pulse suggests, liberal arts content is still relevant, but it’s not marketed effectively to students and employers.
Episode Summary
Bachelor’s Degree Trends: What’s Growing and What’s Declining
Timothy and Jamie dive into data from Higher Ed Data Stories that shows major shifts in the degrees awarded over the past decade. While STEM fields have seen exponential growth, the humanities are in decline. The push for STEM education in K-12 and increased focus on career outcomes have likely contributed to this trend. However, liberal arts degrees are still pursued as secondary majors, indicating a continued interest in well-rounded education.
The Impact of Societal Trends on Degree Choices
The rise of STEM degrees aligns with increased emphasis on practical, career-focused education. Jamie notes how employers often seek well-rounded candidates with communication and critical thinking skills, traditionally nurtured by the humanities. Yet, students seem to prioritize degrees perceived as more lucrative, responding to job market demands and institutional marketing.
Timothy and Jamie also discuss the self-reinforcing cycle where institutions promote STEM programs due to demand, which then increases enrollment in these fields, further diminishing focus on liberal arts.
What’s Driving These Changes?
The hosts brainstorm additional data sets and analyses that could shed light on these shifts, including:
- Employment and Salary Data
- How job market trends influence student preferences.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics and NACE data could reveal shifts in demand for specific skill sets.
- Financial Considerations
- Student debt and ROI by degree type could explain why students are opting for certain fields over others.
- Government and Policy Influences
- Funding policies that prioritize STEM programs may steer institutional focus and student interest.
- High School Curriculum Trends
- Changes in K-12 education, including the integration of STEM and STEAM (STEM + Arts) programming, may influence future degree trends.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/
Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The EduData Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and The Higher Ed Geek.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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