Making the Case for Liberal Education

KQED PERSPECTIVE #2

Robert L. Caret
From National Public Radio, December 4, 2000

Fueled by a booming economy, the jobless rate in this country is at a 30-year low. According to the National Science Foundation, the demand for engineers and computer scientists is expected to grow by more than 50 percent by 2008. Yet nationally the number of degrees awarded in engineering, math, and computer sciences has been on a downward slide for more than ten years.

Attracted by the Silicon Valley's healthy job market, a growing number of students today are opting to put college on hold and start their careers without a degree. With competitive salary offers, stock options, health benefits, and even signing bonuses, these young people are often getting the perks enjoyed by high-level corporate executives. However, this shift in educational and career paths is short-sighted.

There are many paths to a career, but education must be the goal. Some students may move through the traditional two- and four-year programs; others may take many years, working as they learn; others may drop in and out. The resources need to be there to allow each one to gain the tools they need in the timetable that works for them.

A college education does matter. More than 60 percent of the projected job growth in the top ten occupations in the Silicon Valley requires a bachelor's degree. And even if the degree requirement isn't a hard-and-fast rule for every position, the competitive market makes it difficult to advance out of an entry-level job without a degree. Leaders in any sector need to be educated, not just trained.

While financial success is important, college graduates also bring to their careers a broadened world perspective, heightened analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply their knowledge in the service of society.

Education is the key to the individual's future, the company's future and to the future of society.

With a perspective, I'm Robert Caret.

Robert Caret is president of San José State University

The Presidents' Campaign for the Advancement of Liberal Learning is supported by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more information contact Bethany Zecher Sutton at 202-387-3760.