Academic Partnerships’ White Paper Series
This third white paper in a series by Jeffrey J. Selingo explains how an evolving job market requires specific skills rather than traditional college degrees. Introducing shorter, specialized programs will facilitate growth in a stagnant industry by encouraging enrollment of non-traditional students who otherwise would not have the time or funds to continue their education.
Key Findings:
- College leaders must listen to what prospective students want from higher education as workers become more interested in acquiring skills rather than degrees.
- Bundled curriculum and legacy credentials will undergo a transformation in the next decade due to the increase of students searching for alternatives to rising price tags and time needed to earn a traditional degree.
- There are three approaches colleges might consider as they build programs to serve the next generation of workers: the university-level certificate, the skinny master’s degree, and the continual learning subscription.
