Alumni Perceptions of Career and Learning Outcomes in Professional Master's Degree Programs

• In Event: Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: From Higher Education to the Workforce

Abstract

As demand for employees with professional master’s degrees increases, and accountability to show learning outcomes and career outcomes increases, it is becoming more important to develop measures of these graduate outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of self-reported competencies and career outcomes, in order to interpret the perceived value of these programs. Results indicate high construct validity, significant differences in human capital outcomes, career development skills, and personal agency between the three large programs at the college of study, but no differences in goals to maintain careers, satisfaction, or course evaluation ratings. Validity of these measures could be important for future assessment, program evaluation, and mixed methods studies for this population.

Author

• Kimberly J. Kuborn, Boston University