Concord University Continues to Offer “In-demand” Degrees Sought by Employers

Athens, W.Va. – Concord University offers six of the 10 “in-demand” majors sought by employers, according to “Job Outlook 2007,” a study published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). In fact, all of the top three are offered by the University.

Below is a listing of NACE’s top 10 degrees in demand at the bachelor’s degree level.

Degrees offered by Concord University are listed beside each “in-demand” major in parentheses.

Accounting (BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN AREA OF EMPHASIS IN ACCOUNTING)
Business Administration/Management (BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN AREA OF EMPHASIS IN MANAGEMENT)
Computer Science (BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS)
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Information Sciences and Systems (BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS)
Marketing/Marketing Management (BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN AREA OF EMPHASIS IN MARKETING)
Computer Engineering
Civil Engineering
Economics/Finance (BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN AREA OF EMPHASIS IN FINANCE)

The Chair of the Division of Business at Concord University, Dr. Kendra Boggess, is not surprised that business-related degrees are in such high demand.

“In my opinion, business continues to be a popular major because it is a practical degree that provides graduates with opportunities to apply their educational experiences to nearly every workplace. Every industry has a business foundation…sound business principles apply in each occupational field,” she said.

“With a business major, students learn about budgeting and finance, marketing, organizational strategies, directing, controlling and managing organizations. Content learned in business courses apply across the board and this makes a business major appealing to many students today,” Boggess continued.

Leading the graduate level degrees that are most in-demand is the master of business administration (M.B.A.) degree, which many business students pursue following their graduation from Concord University’s business division.

“Many business people and graduates of other programs also return to school to earn master’s degrees in business or M.B.A. degrees. These degrees can jump-start or rapidly move individuals forward within their careers. Graduates from top M.B.A. programs with some work experience can earn up to $140,000 annually, and are often offered signing bonuses,” Dr. Boggess concluded.

Compared to the 2005 study, computer-related majors went up, including a jump from sixth to third for computer science, and a jump from 10^th to sixth in information systems.

"Concord University is very proud to offer many of the most desired degree programs that students are seeking," said Michael Curry, vice president for admissions and financial aid. "Those programs of study are challenging, rigorous and demanding. Many of our graduates go on to find well-paying jobs or excellent graduate school opportunities."

According to NACE, “Employers in the South expect the biggest increase in hiring 2006-2007 college graduates: They plan to increase hiring by just over one quarter—25.5 percent.”

-CU-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Jesse Call, a senior majoring in political science and history, wrote this press release. His hometown is Pocahontas, Va.