Connecticut colleges are producing larger numbers of graduates prepared for careers in health care, a new study shows ”“ but possibly at the expense of other studies such as business.
Since 2000, state schools increased the number of health field graduates 71 percent to nearly 5,100 total, according to Braden Hosch, director of institutional research at Central Connecticut State University. That figure could increase as Quinnipiac University readies a new medical school in North Haven for as early as 2013.
While diplomas also increased by more than a third in science, technology, engineering and mathematics ”“ dubbed STEM subjects ”“ the percentage of STEM graduates as a total of all degrees awarded in Connecticut increased just 0.4 percent, compared to a 3.1 percent increase in health fields.
By that measure, business studies fared the worst as it lost 2.1 percent of the share of all degrees awarded, followed by education with a 1.8 percent drop.
Students completed a record 38,900 degrees and certificates in the 2009-2010 academic year, driven by increased enrollment, according to research Hosch undertook for the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. Only in November, the organization announced that total enrollment at the state”™s colleges and universities topped 200,000 for the first time, with a 3.8 percent increase in students from the previous fall also a record. Enrollment figures include both full- and part-time students, as well as those who take courses online ”“ not all of whom complete degrees.
In presenting the figures at a meeting of the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education in November, Hosch noted that the number of high school graduates will shrink approximately 10 percent by the 2020-21 academic year, which will impact college enrollment. He added that population changes are likely to shift public funds from higher education toward health care, and if colleges expect to remain at their current size, they may have to change their focus from educating younger people to serving older adults.
“The combination of the economy and demographics is transforming higher education,” said Michael Meotti, commissioner of higher education, at the same meeting. “Our colleges, particularly those which offer specific career preparation, are attracting more young students than ever, as well as more adults seeking training in a down economy. Managing such fast growth while maintaining quality services to students can be challenging, and underscores the need for careful oversight to make sure students are graduating with the skills they need and the degrees they seek.”
In addition to reeducating older adults, Connecticut colleges and work-force development officials are counting on immigrants as well to help improved the pipeline of skilled workers. The American Association of Community Colleges and other education groups had supported the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act that failed to pass the U.S. Senate last month. The DREAM Act would have made children of illegal aliens eligible for a six-year conditional path to citizenship, requiring completion of a college degree or two years of military service.
