The overarching goal of this research is to provide college administrators and instructors, employers, and researchers with up-to-date, detailed information about how AB degree programs in STEM fields, particularly those affiliated with NSF-ATE centers and projects, operate through partnerships and meet students’ and employers’ workforce needs.
Researchers will take a three-phase approach to investigating NSF-ATE-related applied baccalaureate degrees, including a landscape study and inventory of applied baccalaureate projects and affiliated centers within the universe of NSF-ATE, a participatory field study methodology intended to gather in-depth information on identified programs, partnerships, and centers, and a continual dissemination phase, which will include webinars, seminars, workshops, conference presentations, and other professional development opportunities during all research phases and the year following the second phase.
Investigating Applied Baccalaureate Degree Pathways in Technician Education
Julia Panke Makela, Collin M. Ruud, Stacy Bennett, & Debra D. Bragg
March 2012
This document summarizes the first phase of our research on applied baccalaureate (AB) degree pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and technician education. Findings provide insights into degree program development, curriculum design, transferrable and nontransferable associate degree programs, data collection practices regarding the outcomes and impacts of degree programs, environmental influences, strategies for communicating with key stakeholders, and concerns about the perceived stigma of applied postsecondary credentials.
Executive Summary | Technical Report
Exploring the Landscape: Identifying Pathways to Baccalaureate Degrees in Technician Education
Julia Panke Makela, Collin M. Ruud, & Debra D. Bragg
December 2011
This brief research report shares findings from our first survey, designed to identify applied baccalaureate degree programs affiliated with National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education projects and centers. Findings are shared regarding associate degree programs that have established formal pathways to baccalaureate degrees. Where possible, distinctions are made between traditional baccalaureate degree pathways (e.g., BA, BS) and other emerging approaches, including AB degrees and community college baccalaureate degrees.
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Applied Baccalaureate Degree Pathways: Emerging Opportunities in Technician Education in STEM Fields
Informed career development professionals about developments in AB degree pathways to enhance work with clients.
Speaker: Julia Panke Makela
Conference: National Career Development Association, Atlanta, GA
Date: June 22, 2012, 1:50PM
Handout
WEBINAR: Emergence Amid Uncertainty: Applied Baccalaureate Degrees in STEM Technician Education
Findings from the first major phase of the research project.
Speakers: Julia Panke Makela, Collin M. Ruud, and Chris Mullin
Date: May 17, 2012, 1:00PM
PowerPoint Slides | Recording
The National Landscape for Applied Baccalaureate Degrees in STEM Fields
Preliminary findings from the project’s first phase of research.
Speakers: Debra D. Bragg & Julia Panke Makela
Conference: Community College Baccalaureate Association International Conference, Philadelphia, PA
Date: March 3, 2012, 10:15AM
PowerPoint Slides
WEBINAR: Exploring the Landscape: Identifying Pathways to Baccalaureate Degrees in Technician Education
Findings related to the project’s early survey work.
Speakers: Debra D. Bragg, Julia Panke Makela, James Jacobs, & Barbara Anderegg
Date: October 6, 2011, 2:00PM
PowerPoint Slides | Recording
External evaluation for OCCRL’s research on AB degree pathways in STEM fields and technician education is provided by EvalWorks.
View a summary of the review of our first technical report.
OCCRL researchers and guest scholars contribute to a regular blog that highlights relevant research and discussions around OCCRL projects and other higher education topics. Blogs provide an opportunity for readers to add comments and insights on key topics. We invite you to join the conversation. Here are some of our recent entries related to AB degree pathways:
- Signaling STEM Full Steam Ahead! But Along what Path? (1/29/2013)
- Addressing the Theory and Application Debate in STEM Education (12/18/2012)
- The Applied Baccalaureate: What’s in a Name? (9/28/2012)
- Considering What Makes an AB Degree… (7/26/2012)
- STEM is where it’s at! (6/2/2012)