Will the old-fashioned university system survive?

Question

With information readily available to all on the Internet, will the old-fashioned university system survive where information is trickled through the limited views of a few professors to those who have the financial means to pay large sums while not holding down a full time job? Microsoft uses a “certificate” program where you can study towards a specific skill and take tests at test centers. This method provides much better flexibility than a traditional degree program by cutting out all the “general studies” that aren’t used anyway. Instead of trying to get all the training for a lifetime before you even start your career, you learn as you go as needed by your employer. It seems like this approach would be better for business while not excluding those who are capable but not able to give up full time work while attending a university and could tap into the work force of 18-22 year olds who are living in the dorms.

Answer 1

The skill set that most employers are looking for from employees beyond manual technicians, from the professionals and lower managers, is founded in a strong liberal arts/general arts education.

Employers still need employees who have learned to think critically and creativity, can synthesize information, and can communicate clearly orally and in writing. These are skills that are learned in an academic setting and not easily tested.

One must keep in mind that a university education doesn't serve the sole purpose of preparing workers - that's the role of a technical/vocational education and easily relegated to businesses as a function of training and development.

I'd argue that it's the general studies (liberal arts) that are used to advance us both professionally and socially and that the vocational studies can be learned on the job much more effectively. It's that awareness of cultural exchange we gain in the liberal arts core that makes us more than a machine or "working class Joe".

just my opinion though - I'm a proponent of a strong liberal arts education.

Answer 2

One reason the old-fashioned university, with all the general studies, will never die out is because the professors teaching those subjects will never allow it. Just try and pass any legislation that would cut out these classes, and there would be such an outrage from these professors unlike anything ever seen before. I'm talking lobbying, marching, interviews, statements, press conferences...basically anything and everything within their disposal to get their voice out about the importance of "sociology" and "anthropology". They would also decry and publicly humiliate at every turn any business attempting this new approach with students.

Plus American parents, once hearing these outcries, will almost always side with the teachers since in their unanimous minds a) they always want their child to get the best, b) teachers always hit a soft note with them, and c) it's "just another way that big bad businesses are trying to get to their children at an earlier age" is what most parents would think.

I can understand your point though. I've always had a notion that while these general studies classes (core classes) can be educating, IMO they should all be voluntary. If some students want to take them along with their career-oriented courses, then by all means. But if not then I would like something that allows the student to not have to and instead focus on the important classes to their major.

Answer 3

The problem with depending on an employer for education is that the "stay at one company which requires one set of skills until you retire" system is dying out far faster than the university model. Employees move around a lot these days, and it's better for them to have a general skillset that can be adapted to whatever job they're at than training for very specific tasks that might need to be unlearned at the next place.

That, and it doesn't matter how much information is available on the Internet if you can't grasp it by reading alone. Sometimes, for some people, there's just no substitute for in-class instruction and discussion.

Answer 4

if the businesses embrace this new system, then i think the university system will die a natural death. however, several businesses (especially the big multinational companies) still value good-old-fashioned university education. however, i'm seeing this as a possibility for the far future.