New Research Identifies Graduate Degree Programs with Most Potential for Growth

Last updated on: November 13, 2018

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Hoboken, NJ. – November 12, 2018 – John Wiley and Sons Inc., (NYSE: JW-A) (NYSE: JW-B) announced today the release of a new market research report into trends across several key graduate education disciplines (business, education, health, social services & public administration, cybersecurity, and data analytics), identifying the graduate degree programs with the most potential for growth. The report, developed by Wiley University Services, provides administrators with an in-depth analysis of programmatic trends and opportunities worth consideration.

Entitled, “State of the Graduate Education Market: Trends and Insights in Key Master’s Disciplines,” the report features the latest market research data and details how the landscape has changed between 2010 and 2016. It was compiled from data published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and by analyzing information taken from over 7,500 colleges, universities, and technical and vocational institutions that participate in Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) surveys. These surveys are conducted annually by the NCES to uncover academic trends and insights.

The key findings of the report include:

  • Total distance/online program growth has increased rapidly across most major discipline areas.
  • Interdisciplinary programs, specializations, and certificates can help institutions better meet labor demands and distinguish themselves from the competition.
  • While the Master of Business Administration (MBA) market represents two-thirds of Business graduates, the growth of MBA graduates was flat between 2014 and 2016.
  • Education was the largest discipline for graduate programs as recently as 2010, but it is now second largest and soon will likely be eclipsed by Health.
  • Demand for Master of Social Work programs is expected to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, due to increased demand for healthcare and social services.
  • Institutions that add an online modality or expand existing online MBAs often see greater increases in enrollment than those that only offer an on-campus MBA.

The report, which provides guidance to institutions to assist them with program planning, also gives insights into: which programs are in decline and which show a strong potential for growth within the largest discipline areas; programs that offer opportunity in the online/distance modality; skill sets that are most in demand from employers and other disciplines (such as Cybersecurity and Data Analytics) that show strong growth potential.

“This report highlights several key trends that colleges and universities should be aware of, such as the rapidly growing numbers of online programs in fields like healthcare or the mounting demand from students and employers for certificates, specializations, and interdisciplinary programs,” said Matt Hillman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Wiley University Services. “By identifying these key trends and opportunities, Wiley University Services is able to help higher education administrators and program directors quickly evolve with the demands of the changing market and ultimately offer the learning experiences that improve education and career outcomes, bridging the gap between education and employment.”

Click here to download the report.

Additional Information:

Wiley Media Contacts:

Penny Smith (UK) +44 (0) 1243 770448

Lauren Andrich (US) +1 201 748 5838

newsroom@wiley.com

 About Wiley:

Wiley is a global leader in research and education. Our online scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, and our digital learning, assessment, certification and student-lifecycle services and solutions help universities, academic societies, businesses, governments and individuals to achieve their academic and professional goals. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The Company’s website can be accessed at www.wiley.com.

About Wiley University Services:

Wiley University Services, a division of Wiley, is a leading, global provider of tailored services and technology solutions to higher education institutions. It currently partners with more than 30 institutions across the US, Europe, and Australia, supports over 250 degree programs and more than 2000 courses, encompassing on campus, online, and hybrid models. Wiley University Services works collaboratively with its partners to provide tailored services, technology, insights, and content that help to improve institutional performance and help learners to achieve their goals. For more information go to universityservices.wiley.com

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