Students ditch humanities for career-driven degrees in shifting education trends
Student enrolment in higher education is shifting away from traditional disciplines. Between 2023 and 2024, social sciences and humanities saw declines of 3% and 8%, respectively. Meanwhile, fields like health care, technology, and business grew as students prioritised career-focused qualifications.
Over the past five years, enrolment trends have highlighted a clear divide. Programs in philosophy, cultural studies, gender studies, history, and foreign languages experienced falling persistence rates from 2018 to 2023. At the same time, engineering, mathematics, and biomedical sciences maintained high retention, reflecting stronger student commitment in these areas.
The decline in humanities and social sciences contrasts sharply with growth in vocational fields. Adult learners and short-term credentials are reshaping higher education, driven by economic pressures and evolving job markets. Institutions that align programs with labour demands will likely fare better as traditional enrolment patterns continue to change.
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