Traditional Versus Accelerated Degree Program Graduates: A Survey of Employer Preferences

Abstract

This study examined employer preferences for traditional versus accelerated degree graduates in the employment decision making process. A Web-based survey was used to gather N = 250 responses. The study had three dependent index variables for preference: in general, in employment screening decisions, and in hiring decisions. ANOVA was used on each dependent variable to test for mean index differences based on industry type, employer size, respondent educational attainment, and respondent degree of familiarity with accelerated degree programs. Overall, the findings suggest no practically significant differences exist in respondent preference for traditional versus accelerated degree program graduates. Employer size had no statistically significant effect on any of the three dependent variables. Employer type was significant for the general preference and hiring preference indexes. Respondent educational attainment indicated increased general preference for traditional versus accelerated degree programs in general, but the impact on screening and hiring decisions was not significant. The respondents’ degree of familiarity with accelerated degree programs was statistically significant on all three dependent variables, with those having direct knowledge of accelerated degree programs indicating a stronger preference for these programs than those with little or marginal awareness.

Keywords:

• degree completion
• employer acceptance
• employer preference
• non-traditional