GCP Courses Online
FRSH 1200 Needs to be developed currently have SOCI 2375, Social Problems, as approved sub
Keystone Seminar KEYS 4008 Leading from Where I Am Micahel Williams in developmentKEYS 4011Crossing Borders: Language and Sebastian Mahfood in developmentKEYS 4014 Social Movements and TechnoloRalph Olliges in developmentKEYS 4012 City Life: Ho Chi Minh City Roy Tamashiro in developmentKEYS 4015 Food for Thought Kit Jenkins liveKEYS 4016 Business, Behavior, Health and SSarah Tetley in developmentKEYS 4020 Future Human AD 2100 Martha Kneib in developmentKEYS 4012 City Life: Ancient Athens Kyle Lincoln live
A&S Language Requirement LATN 1090: Introductory LatinSPAN 1090: Introductory Spanish in development
Roots of Culture ANTH 1100 Intro to Cultural Anthropology INTC2 courses, must have different prefixes ENGL 1030 Intro to Literature WCOM
HIST 1320 20th Century History CRILATN 1090 Introduction to Latin Elementar INTCPHIL 1100 Intru to Philosophy CRIPHIL 2110 Intro to Ethics ETHCRELG 1080 Thinking Through Religions ETHCRELG 2085 Into to Judaism INTC
Social Systems & Human Behavior AUDI 1061 Steal this Music ETHC2 courses, must have different prefixes AUDI 1062 Songs of Protest WCOM
EDUC 2800 Foundations of Education CRIHRTS 1100 Intro to Human Rights ETHCINTM 1600 Into to Interactive Digital Medi CRIMEDC 1630 Media Literacy CRIMEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the MediaINTCPHIL 2340 Bioethics ETCHPSCY 1100 Intro to Psychology CRISOCI 1100 Intro to Sociology WCOMSOCI 2375 Social Problems INTCSPCM 1280 Interpersonal CommunciationsWCOM
Physical and Natural World BIOL 1050 Bio of Disease WCOMBIOL 1040 Human Genetics ETHCPHIL 2360 Enviromental Ethics ETHCSCIN 1030 Science in the News ETHCSCIN 1450 Nanotechnology CRISCIN 1800 Living On vs Off the Grid INTCSCIN 2530 Global Ecologies & Sustainable LCRI
Global Understanding EDUC 3180 Children's Literature INTCEDUC 4250 Economics fand Geography for ETHCILC 2150 Topics in Culture INTCINTL 1500 The World System Since 1500 CRIISTL Intro to International Studies INTCMEDC 3260 International CommunicationsINTC
Qauntitative Literacy MATH 1360 Basic AlgebraMATH 1430 College AlgebraPSYC 2750 Intro to Measurement & Stats
Arts Appreciation ANTH 2510 World Musics INTCSPCM 1040 Public Speaking OCOM
Sample Student Plan, General Studies, Fully OnlineGCP/Gen ed
Semester 1 Course Number Title Credit Hours Notes MajorSOCI 2375 Social Problems 3 Approved sub for FRSH 1200GNST 1101 Online Learning Strategies 3 Major RequirementANTH 1100 Cultural Anthropology 3 GCP Roots of Culture and INTCPSYC 1100 Intro to Psychology 3 Major RequirementSCIN 1800 Living off the Grid 3 Elective
Semester 2 SPAN 1090 Introductory Spanish 4 A&S Language RequirementPHIL 1100 Critical Thinking 3 GCP Roots of Culture and CRIMATH 1360 Basic Algebra 3 GCP Quant LiteracyRELG 1060 World Religions 3 Major RequirementANTH 2000 Issues in Contemporary An 3 Elective
Semester 3 GNST 2100 Integrative Studies 3 Major RequirementAUDI 1061 Steal This Music 3 GCP Social System and ETHCRELG 2031 Violence in the Name of Go 3 Major RequirementSOCI 1100 Sociology 3 ElectiveWGST 2000 Issues in Women's Studies 3 ElectiveLATN 1090 Intro to Latin 3 Elective
Semester 4 BIOL 1050 Biology of Disease 3 GCP Phys/Nat and WCOMSPCM 1040 Public Speaking 3 GCP Arts App and OCOMEDUC 3180 Childrens Literature 3 GCP Global Understanding and INTCRELG 3051 Religion and Human Rights 3 Major RequirementPSYC 2300 Lifespan Development 3 Elective
Semester 5 GNST 3100 Methods of Inquiry 3 Major RequirementHRTS 1100 Intro to Human Rights 3 GCP Social System and ETHCPSYC 2825 Research Methods 3 Major RequirementBIOL 1040 Human Genetics 3 ElectiveCOAP 2000 Intro to Web Programming 3 Elective
Semester 6 KEYS 4012 City Life: Ancient Athens 3 GCP KeystoneRELG 4550 Advanced Study in Religion 3 Major RequirementPSYC 3600 Social Psychology 3 Major RequirementCSIS 1500 Intro to Business Technolog 3 ElectiveEDUC 2800 Foundations in Education 3 ElectiveMEDC 1050 Intro to Media Writing 3 Elective
Semester 7 GNST 4700 Capstone 3 Major RequirementECON 2020 Principles of Macro Econom 3 ElectiveENGL 1030 Intro to Literature 3 ElectiveEPMD 1000 Intro to Media Production 3 ElectiveISTL 1000 Intro to International Studi 3 ElectiveMEDC 1630 Media Literacy 3 Elective
Semester 8 PSYC 4400 Human Sexuality 3 Major RequirementECON 2030 Principles of Micro Econom 3 ElectiveRELG 1050 Experience and Values 3 ElectiveFLST 3160 Topics in Film Studies 3 ElectiveHRTS 3200 Human Rights Area Studies 2 Elective
Total Hours 129
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 1 eab.com
Analysis of Marketing Populations and Employer Demand
Market Demand for
Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs
COE Forum
MARKET RESEARCH BRIEF
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 2 eab.com
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however, and The Advisory Board Company cannot
guarantee the accuracy of the information provided or any analysis based thereon. In addition, The Advisory
Board Company is not in the business of giving legal,
medical, accounting, or other professional advice, and its reports should not be construed as professional
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The Advisory Board Company has made efforts to verify
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Board Company is not in the business of giving legal, medical, accounting, or other professional advice, and
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COE Forum
Hawa Ahmed
Market Research Associate
Lauren Edmonds
Market Research Manager
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 3 eab.com
Table of Contents
1) Research Methodology ................................................................................................. 4
Project Challenge .............................................................................................................. 4
Methodology and Definitions ............................................................................................... 4
Burning Glass Labor/Insight™ ............................................................................................. 4
Project Sources ................................................................................................................. 5
Profiled Institutions ............................................................................................................ 5
2) Executive Overview ..................................................................................................... 6
Key Observations .............................................................................................................. 6
3) Program Recruitment .................................................................................................. 7
Marketing Strategies .......................................................................................................... 7
Degree Naming ................................................................................................................. 9
4) Geographic Recruitment Priorities ............................................................................. 11
Educational Attainment Data ............................................................................................. 11
Metropolitan Areas with the Most Job Openings ................................................................... 13
5) Employer Demand ..................................................................................................... 16
Demand over Time .......................................................................................................... 16
Industries and Titles with the Most Job Openings ................................................................. 16
Skills Requested by Employers .......................................................................................... 21
Capstone Experiences ...................................................................................................... 22
Appendix A: Networking Contacts .................................................................................. 24
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 4 eab.com
1) Research Methodology
Leadership at Webster University approached the Forum to determine the market
demand for general studies degrees. Through a combination of qualitative interviews
with administrators of competitor programs and quantitative data analytics, the
Forum sought to assess the market viability of bachelor’s degrees in general studies.
The Education Advisory Board’s market research function provides insights which
guide strategic programmatic decisions at member institutions. The Forum combines
qualitative and quantitative data to help administrators identify opportunities for new
program development, assess job market trends, and align curriculum with employer
and student demand.
EAB reports rely primarily on labor market data from the Burning Glass
Labor/InsightTM tool (description below). Reports occasionally use data from the
United States Census Bureau and United States Bureau of Labor Statistics data to
explore occupation and job trends. Market research reports may also incorporate
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data to assess student
enrollment, demographics, and completion rates across competitor programs.
Methodology: Unless stated otherwise, this report includes data from online job
postings from December 2014 to November 2015. The Forum identified the top 200
titles, skills, industries, and cities for the Midwest and states of California, Texas,
Florida, and South Carolina.
Definitions: “Regional data” and “the Midwest” refer to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota,
and Wisconsin. “Regional data” also refers to Florida, California, South Carolina, and
Texas (states requested by the University).
Annual growth in job postings is measured in the change between January 2010 and
January 2015 by six-month halves (i.e., 2012 H2 is July 2012 to December 2012).
2012 H2-2013 H1 represents year one and 2013 H2-2014 H1 represents year two,
which gives the most recent two complete years of data.
The Education Advisory Board’s Partner for Real-Time Labor Market Data
This report includes data made available through EAB’s partnership with Burning
Glass Technologies, a Boston-based leader in human capital data analytics. Burning
Glass Technologies specializes in the use of web spidering technology to mine more
than 80 million online job postings and analyze real-time employer demand. Under
this partnership, EAB may use Burning Glass’s proprietary Labor/Insight™ tool to
answer member questions about employer demand for educational requirements, job
titles, and competencies over time, as well as by geography. The tool considers job
postings “unspecified” for a skill, industry, employer, geography, certification, or
educational requirement when the job posting did not advertise for one of these
particular job characteristics. Unspecified postings represent null values and should
be excluded from the total number (n value) of job postings analyzed in the query. A
more complete description of the tool is available at http://www.burning-
glass.com/products/laborinsight-market-analysis/.
Project Challenge
Methodology and
Definitions
Burning Glass Labor/Insight™
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 5 eab.com
For more information about the Labor/Insight™ tool, please contact Kelly Bailey,
Business Development Manager, at [email protected] or 732-800-2484.
The Forum consulted the following sources for this report:
• EAB’s internal and online research libraries (eab.com)
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (nces.ed.gov)
• United State Census Bureau, American Community Survey (census.gov)
The Forum interviewed general studies program directors at the following institutions:
A Guide to Institutions Profiled in this Brief1
Institution Location
Approximate Institutional Enrollment (Undergraduate / Total) Classification
Beloit College Midwest 1,500 / 1,500 Baccalaureate Colleges (Arts & Sciences)
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
East
9,000 / 10,000 Master’s Colleges and Universities (Larger Programs)
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
East
7,500 / 8,000 Master’s Colleges and Universities (Larger Programs)
1) National Center for Education Statistics.
Project Sources
Profiled
Institutions
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 6 eab.com
2) Executive Overview
Consider prioritization of recruitment of students in North and South Dakota,
Minnesota, and Nebraska. The highest percentages of adults 25 years and over
with associate’s degrees and some college credit but no degree live in the states of
North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska. These populations tend to enroll
in general studies and related programs to complete flexible programs with maximum
transferred credits.
Emphasize general studies degree flexibility to recruit adult learners; create
institutional partnerships to recruit community college students. Adult
learners, community college students, and transfer students often pursue general
studies and related degrees. Administrators appeal to adult learners by emphasizing
degree flexibility, essential for working adults returning to school. Leadership recruits
community college students through partnerships and articulation agreements with
local two-year institutions.
The public demonstrates greater awareness of general studies degrees than
liberal and interdisciplinary studies degrees, online search engine data
indicates. General studies and related programs use degree titles that reflect
program requirements and align with institutional mission. Common degree titles
include general studies, interdisciplinary studies, and multidisciplinary studies. Of
those titles, Americans most often search online for general studies degrees.
Offer courses in business and quantitative analysis to fulfill employer
demand. Employers of general studies graduates demonstrate high demand for
business analysts and account consultants. Business administration, accounting, and
economics appear in many job postings as required skills for general studies
graduates. Employers also seek candidates for roles as technical writers, admissions
counselors, and academic advisors. Directors of general studies programs report no
trends in graduates’ employment placement; degrees prepare graduates for a wide
variety of jobs as portrayed in the employer demand data.
Key
Observations
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 7 eab.com
3) Program Recruitment
Differentiate Marketing to Suit Adult Learners,
Community College Students, and Transfer Students
Program directors focus general studies and related program recruitment on specific
student populations (e.g., community college students), to ensure external transfer
and adult learner enrollments. Programs appeal to nontraditional students due to the
degree flexibility. Contacts at Bloomsburg University also report high internal
transfer enrollment from university students across diverse disciplines. These
students often cannot complete their intended major, or may have transferred from
another institution with credits unaligned to other degree programs, and thus enroll in
the general studies program to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Marketing Strategies for General Studies and Related Programs by
Population
Administrators at Beloit College present the program on the College’s main website,
as many students report interest in general studies during the admissions process.
Returning adult learners with college credit
Advertise general studies program’s flexibility on webpage
Transfer students with college credit
Partner with local community colleges to create pathways for transfer students
University students unable to complete current majors
Communicate general studies degree program to college advisors and admissions counselors
Marketing
Strategies
Topics to Include on Program Webpages
• Admissions requirements
• Tuition and financial aid
• Curriculum and course descriptions
• Skills taught and applicability of skills toward careers
• Differentiation of program offerings
• Detailed employment outcomes
• Alumni satisfaction survey data and testimonials
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 8 eab.com
Assign Enrollment Coaches to Facilitate Application
Process for Adult Learners and Community College Students
Administrators at Webster University should assign enrollment coaches to help adult
learners and community college students near the end of their community college
education. Enrollment coaches (e.g., dedicated advisors, enrollment advisors) answer
application and enrollment questions and help students through every step of the
application and enrollment process. Once enrolled, general studies students may also
require dedicated advisors trained to help students overcome personal, financial, and
academic challenges that often arise for adult degree completion students. Advisors
familiar with degree completion students’ challenges can better direct students to
other dedicated staff members who can serve their needs (e.g., financial advisors,
academic tutors).
Program Recruitment and Enrollment Process for Nontraditional
Students
Recruit Local Community College Students through Early Advising Intervention
Administrators at Webster University should provide early advising to community
college students to recruit them for the general studies program. Early advising and
automated credit articulation allow students to plan degree pathing toward bachelor’s
degrees.
The University of Central Florida, which recruits heavily from the Florida
community college system, hosts a program called "DirectConnect.” University
advisors share advising caseloads with community college staff during students’
sophomore year. Advisors also present financial aid and transfer admissions
workshops at community college orientation, which encourages students to consider
transfer options. Through DirectConnect, students know which courses qualify for
their major of choice, but also receive paperwork reminders and check-ups from two
sources, which help students stay on track. Additionally, DirectConnect students must
complete associate’s degree requirements and apply for graduation, making the
partnership appealing to community college administrators.
1. Information Request
Marketing materials drive traffic to the degree program website, where
prospective students can fill out Request for Information forms. The forms consist of basic identification questions (e.g., name, phone number).
2. Personalized Contact
Prospects immediately receive an automated
response from an admissions administrator greeting them and explaining next steps. The administrator schedules phone conversations with prospects, during which the administrator gathers information for advisors.
3. Advising
Advisors meet with prospective students though Skype, phone, or
in person. Advisors walk prospective students through the application process.
4. Enrollment
Advisors guide students through the registration
process, including support in course selection and registration.
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 9 eab.com
Wrap-Around Advising Keeps Two-Year Students on Track
Select a Degree Title That Reflects Program Requirements and Aligns with Institutional Mission
Administrators at Webster University should name the general studies degree based
on departmental and institutional strengths. Administrators at profiled institutions
emphasize department deliberation on degree title to ensure titles reflect the
program’s nature and mission. Leaders at Beloit College chose the title
‘Interdisciplinary Studies’ to reflect the interdisciplinary focus of the degree and to
align the program with Beloit College’s larger institutional interdisciplinary emphasis.
Leadership at Millersville University chose the title ‘Multidisciplinary Studies’ to
reflect the degree requirement that students complete courses from multiple separate
subjects without a concerted interdisciplinary focus outside of their capstone
requirement.
The American public seldom searches for degrees in liberal studies or interdisciplinary
studies, Google Trends data indicates. Search volume for general studies degrees
exceeds related programs by up to four times.
Traditional Transfer Model
Student must take initiative to see an advisor and ensure progress to transfer
Second Year at CC
Advisors begin sharing advising caseload after 30 credits; students receive consistent communication through a customer relationship management (CRM) system
Reduce Staffing Load
Student unsure of four-year financial aid and degree requirements
University enrollment staff
lead financial aid workshops during community college orientation, and sign students up to advising mailing list
Subscribe Students Early
First Year at CC
Student fails to complete paperwork, delaying admission or limiting credit transfer and financial aid
Shared transcripts and test scores between institutions limit student obligations; advisors provide consistent reminders and reliable support
Limit Student Obligations
Transfer
Degree Naming
Local Community Colleges with High 2014 Associate’s Degree Completions:
• Saint Louis Community College, 2,092 degree completions
• Ranken Technical College, 426
• Hickey College, 160
• Sanford-Brown College, 105
• Missouri College, 68
• St. Louis College of Health Careers, 60
• National American University, 48
• Vatterott College, 42
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 10 eab.com
Relative Search Volume for General Studies and Related Programs
National Data, October 2010 – October 20152
2) Google Trends Data
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
"general studies degree"
"liberal studies degree"
"interdisciplinary studies degree"
Offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degree Options
Program directors in general studies express increasing interest in offering Bachelor of Science degrees to better communicate the breadth of opportunities and further tailor degrees to student goals.
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 11 eab.com
4) Geographic Recruitment Priorities
Recruit Student Populations in North and South Dakota,
Minnesota, and Nebraska
North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska offer the highest recruitment
potential for Webster University within the profiled region (i.e., the Midwest,
California, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas). These states have the highest
percentages of adults 25 years and over with some college experience or associate’s
degrees, populations that often enroll in general studies programs.
Percentage of Population 25 and Over with Associate’s Degrees and
Some College Credit but No Degree in Profiled States
Regional Data, 2013 3-Year Estimates
Educational
Attainment
Data
Percentage of Population with Some College Credit but No Degree
Low Medium High
Percen
tag
e o
f P
op
ula
tion
wit
h a
n A
sso
cia
te’s
Deg
ree
Low
M
ediu
m
Hig
h
TX
IL
MO
OH
IN
CA
SC MI
KS
WI
IA
FL
MN
NE
ND
SD
Presents high recruitment potential for Webster University
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 12 eab.com
High Concentrations of Prospective Students Live in
Western and Midwestern States
Most states with high percentages of Americans 25 years old and older with some
college credit but no degree exist in the West. Twenty-seven and a half percent of
adults in Utah and Idaho have some college credit but no degree. Other top states
include Wyoming, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Montana. Lower percentages of
Americans with some college credit but no degree live in the Northeast.
Percentage of Population 25 Years and Over with Some College
Credit but No Degree3
National Data, 2013 3-Year Estimates
The Midwest Hosts the Greatest Concentrations of
Associate’s Degree Graduates
Administrators at Webster University should prioritize the Midwest for early student
recruitment, and expand to Western states as the program grows. North Dakota and
Iowa house the highest percentages of adults with associate’s degrees, 13 percent
and 11 percent, respectively. Other states with high percentages of adults with
associate’s degree include Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Many Americans
with associate’s degrees live in the states adjacent to Webster University’s home
state of Missouri. Prioritizing Midwestern states enables the general studies program
to offer fewer courses online to begin, and to add coursework appropriate for
someone without an associate’s degree as the program expands.
3) US Census Bureau, American Community Survey
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 13 eab.com
Percentage of Population 25 Years and Over with an Associate’s
Degree4
National Data, 2013 3-Year Estimates
Employers in Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul Offer the
Most Job Openings for General Studies Graduates in the Midwest
Employers of bachelor’s-level general studies graduates overwhelmingly serve the
cities of Chicago, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and Detroit. Other top Midwestern cities
include Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Employers in Kansas offer few job
openings.
North Dakota, though offering a large potential student population, does not offer
many job openings for general studies graduates.
4) US Census Bureau, American Community Survey
Metropolitan Areas with the
Most Job
Openings
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 14 eab.com
Midwestern Metropolitan Areas with the Most Job Openings for
Bachelor’s in General Studies Graduates
Regional Data, December 2014 – November 20155
n = 2,628, 635 unspecified postings
Employers in California and Texas Offer Many Job Openings for Bachelor’s in General Studies Graduates
Among employers of general studies graduates in California, Texas, Florida, and
South Carolina, nearly half serve California. Over a third of employers serve Texas.
South Carolina employers offer the fewest postings for general studies graduates, at
107 job openings in the past year. Top metropolitan areas for job openings include
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Houston. Employers in Miami and Tampa also
post many job openings.
5) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
MSA Job Postings
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI 539
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 353
Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI 191
Indianapolis-Carmel, IN 97
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN 95
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH 88
St. Louis, MO-IL 73
Iowa City, IA 56
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI 51
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA 40
Ann Arbor, MI 37
Champaign-Urbana, IL 36
Dayton, IL 30
Madison. WI 28
Sioux Falls, SD 27
Toledo, OH 25
Holland-Grand Haven, MI 21
Duluth, MN-WI 21
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 15 eab.com
Metropolitan Areas with the Most Job Openings for Bachelor’s in
General Studies Graduates in California, Florida, South Carolina, and
Texas
Regional Data, December 2014 – November 20156
n = 2,628, 66 unspecified postings
6) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
491
375
330
211
140
118
85
72
67
64
63
42
41
38
38
35
31
28
22
25
19
19
18
18
14
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana
San Francisco-Fremont
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
Longview
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos
San Antonio-New Braunfels
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario
Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville
Jacksonville
Modesto
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
Columbia
Lakeland-Winter Haven
Greenville-Mauldin-Easley
Charleston-Summerville
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks
Santa Cruz-Watsonville
El Paso
Spartanburg
California
Texas
Florida
South Carolina
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 16 eab.com
5) Employer Demand
Employer Demand in California, Texas, Florida, and South
Carolina Grew 17 Percentage Points Faster than
Midwestern Demand
Employer demand for bachelor’s in general studies graduates increased in all profiled
regions since June 2014. While Midwestern employer demand increased by 20
percent, employer demand in California, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas increased
by 37 percent. National demand increased by 30 percent during this time.
Profiled Regions’ Employer Demand for Bachelor’s in General Studies
Graduates
Regional Data, December 2014 – November 20157
Colleges and Universities Offer the Most Positions for General Studies Graduates in the Midwest
Most Midwestern employers of general studies graduates serve higher education
institutions, accounting firms, and insurance carriers. Human resource programs and
hospitals also offer many job openings.
7) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
494
744
656 704
923
665
1,049
1,139
1,048 1,073
1,254
434
734 706
582
667
525
820
991
869
954
1,195
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
2010H1
2010H2
2011H1
2011H2
2012H1
2012H2
2013H1
2013H2
2014H1
2014H2
2015H1
Jo
b P
osti
ng
s
Midwest
CA, FL, SC, TX
Demand over
Time
Industries and
Titles with the Most Job
Openings
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 17 eab.com
Midwestern Industries with the Most Job Openings for Bachelor’s in
General Studies Graduates
Regional Data, December 2014 – November 20158
n = 2,628, 635 unspecified postings
Midwestern Employers Overwhelmingly Post Positions for Business Analysts
Over 55 percent of job postings for regional general studies graduates advertise
positions for business analysts in accounting services. Other top titles include
communications specialists and account consultants. Employers also post positions
seeking academic advisors and development officers.
8) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
30
38
55
65
102
137
168
864
Restaurants and Other EatingPlaces
Management, Scientific, andTechnical Consulting Services
Executive, Legislative, and OtherGeneral Government Support
General Medical and SurgicalHospitals
Administration of Human ResourcePrograms
Insurance Carriers
Accounting, Tax Preparation andPayroll Services
Colleges, Universities, andProfessional Schools
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 18 eab.com
Top Titles in Industries with the Most Job Openings for Bachelor’s-
Level General Studies Graduates in the Midwest
National Data, December 2014 – November 20159
n = 2,628, 0 unspecified postings
9) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
24
21
12
10
9
7
7
7
6
6
6
Admissions Officer
Academic Advisor
Administrative Assistant
Development Officer
Librarian
Communications Coordinator
Residence Hall Director
Communications Director
Director of Human Resources
Academic Coordinator
Reporter
Top Higher Education Titles
128
21
15
2
1
Business Analyst
Consulting Analyst
Actuary Specialist
Assitant Editor
Content Strategist
14
10
4
4
3
Claims Representative
Account Representative
Business Analyst
Community OutreachSpecialist
Disability Examiner
Top Accounting Titles Top Insurance Carrier Titles
28
6
5
5
4
Veterans ServiceRepresentative
Human ResourceSpecialist
Information TechnologySpecialist
Accountant
Loan Specialist
8
7
5
4
4
Veterans ServiceRepresentative
Major Gifts Officer
CommunicationsSpecialist
Secretary
Community OutreachSpecialist
Top Human Resource Titles Top Hospital Titles
Graduates Qualify for a Varied Job Market
Contacts verify these top titles and report no general
employment outcome trends due to the broad nature of
general studies and related programs. Contacts note that
students who enroll in programs often already possess baseline
skills, such as organizational skills and creative problem
solving, which serve them well in job searches.
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 19 eab.com
Higher Education Institutions Offer the Most Job
Openings for General Studies Graduates outside of the Midwest
Over twenty percent of employers in profiled states serve colleges, universities, and
professional schools. Other top industries include accounting and tax preparation
services and advertising and public relations companies.
Industries with the Most Job Openings for Bachelor’s in General
Studies Graduates in California, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas
Regional Data, December 2014 – November 201510
n = 2,646, 874 unspecified postings
Business Analysts and Technical Writers Offer the Most
Job Openings
Outside the Midwest, employers of general studies graduates seek business analysts
for nearly ten percent of all roles. Business analyst positions serve accounting and tax
preparations companies. Technical writers for insurance carriers and legal services
also provide opportunities to graduates.
10) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
42
44
48
69
81
125
227
579
Wired Telecommunications Carriers
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Administration of Human ResourcePrograms
Executive, Legislative, and Other GeneralGovernment Support
Insurance Carriers
Advertising, Public Relations, and RelatedServices
Accounting, Tax Preparation and PayrollServices
Colleges, Universities, and ProfessionalSchools
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 20 eab.com
Titles with the Most Job Openings for Bachelor’s-Level General
Studies Graduates in California, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas
Regional Data, December 2014 – November 201511
n = 2,646, 0 unspecified postings
O
11) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
21
18
16
16
7
7
6
5
5
4
Administrative Assistant
Development Officer
Academic Advisor
Admissions Counselor
Engineering Lecturer
Accounting Assistant
Assistant Dean
Adjunct Instructor
Librarian
Communications Coordinator
Top Higher Education Titles
187
17
22
1
Business Analyst
Consulting Analyst
Actuarial Analyst
Economic OpportunityCoordinator
27
11
3
3
Customer ServiceRepresentative
CommunicationsSpecialist
Project Manager
Event Coordinator
Top Accounting Titles Top Advertising Titles
9
8
7
6
Claims Representative
Recruitment Manager
Technical Writer
Contract Analyst
11
10
7
3
Program Specialist
AdminsitrativeAssistant
Librarian
City Clerk
Top Insurance Carrier Titles Top Government Titles
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 21 eab.com
Offer Courses in Business Administration and Data
Management to Satisfy Midwestern Employer Demand
Many regional employers of general studies graduates require business skills such as
accounting and business analysis. Other top skills include mathematics and
quantitative analytics. Employers also demonstrate demand for graduates with
written and online communication skills.
Skills Requested by Midwestern Employers of Bachelor’s in General
Studies Graduates
National Data, December 2014 – November 201512
n = 2,628, 285 unspecified postings
Courses in Business and Quantitative Analysis Satisfy Non-Midwestern Employer Demand
Employers of general studies graduates exhibit high demand for candidates with skills
in business administration and economics. Other top requested skills include
accounting, business analysis, and journalism.
12) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
369
335
265
248
229
214
181
180
153
144
140
138
125
108
101
98
91
91
78
74
Business Administration
Economics
Spreadsheets
Psychology
Social Media
Word Processing
Mathematics
Accounting
Business Analysis
Fundraising
Academic Advisement
Event Planning
Data Entry
Journalism
Data Management
Business Development
Sales
Administrative Support
Contract Management
Newsletters
Skills
Requested by Employers
Business
Quantitative Analysis
Writing and Media
Administrative Support
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 22 eab.com
Skills Requested by Employers of Bachelor’s in General Studies
Graduates in California, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas
National Data, December 2014 – November 201513
n = 2,646, 248 unspecified postings
Require a Capstone Project or Work Experience to Ensure Students Develop Professional Skills
Administrators of general studies programs require students to complete capstone
projects to gain relevant professional experience.
General Studies Capstone Projects
Administrators at Millersville University report 90 to 95 percent of students elect to
complete an internship. Faculty members and students collaborate to identify
internship placements in corporate, nonprofit, and government settings. At
Bloomsburg University, general studies students complete 30 service hours
through internships at non-profit organizations or on-campus volunteering. Students
then complete a project that synthesizes their service experiences.
13) Burning-Glass Labor/Insight™
497
467
425
349
310
233
232
211
199
156
154
145
141
140
122
109
108
100
Business Administration
Psychology
Economics
Spreadsheets
Word Processing
Accounting
Business Analysis
Journalism
Social Media
Event Planning
Mathematics
Administrative Support
Data Entry
Purchasing
Telecommunications
Business Development
Fundraising
Adobe Photoshop
Research Seminars
Internship Experiences
Final Portfolios
Business
Quantitative Analysis
Writing and Communications
Administrative Support
Capstone
Experiences
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 23 eab.com
Program directors at Beloit College require students to complete final portfolios.
Contacts note portfolios may be used as individual evaluation tools, but prove more
useful as mechanisms for program assessment. Faculty members do not grade
portfolios; students at Beloit College create portfolios to reflect on educational
progress and program feedback. Program portfolios also include a list of all courses
each student completes.
Program Internship Benefits
Millersville University
Engage students
in experiential
learning
opportunities that
integrate
multiple fields
of study
Introduce
students to
local
employers to
potentially lead
to future
employment
Respond to community
needs both in the short
term (i.e., student
support during
internships) and the
long-term (i.e., train
students in fields with
local demand)
Improve
community
partnerships
©2015 The Advisory Board Company 24 eab.com
Appendix A: Networking Contacts
Beloit College
Dr. Matt Tedesco
Chair of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program
(608) 363-2146
Bloomsburg University
Dr. Scott C. Lowe
Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program
(570) 389-4784
Millersville University
Dr. Dennis B. Downey
Director of Multidisciplinary Studies Program
(717) 872-3672