Credentialism

A Story of Discrimination

Meet Stephen Boone

Married for 10 years Father of two Works full-time Full-time student: Associates Degree Owner of online Tshirt company Desires to move up the corporate ladder

Already a victim of credentialism

Credentialism:undue emphasis on credentials (as college degrees) as prerequisites to employment

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credentialism, 201

wanted: (upon proof of

higher education)

Is the door of possibilities closed to Stephen?

Median weekly earnings of workers with an associate degree Heating/Coolin

g

Registered

Nurse Radiologic Tech Drafting Designer Engineering

BLS.com, Department of Labor, 2002

Does Higher Education Payoff? Is there an advantage getting a job having a bachelors degree over an associates degree? What jobs are available with just an associates degree? What degree is best for you?

Is there an advantage getting a job having a bachelors degree over an associates degree?

YES

HOLD ON!!
While many young students often believe that a four year bachelors degree will provide a greater array of job opportunities and increased salary benefits, recent findings reveal that, in some cases, an associates degree provides workers with similar perks to that of their four year graduate co-workers.

Chen (January 09, 2009)

This is what CNN had to say,

Though it was once conventional wisdom that you needed to have a four-year college degree to be successful, many employment experts believe that maxim has become myth.

Chen(August 11, 2008)

Some examples of careers which would put Stephen on the fast track are:

Engineering Technician

Average Annual Income = $49,440

Chen (January 09, 2009)

Radiation Therapist

Average Annual Income = $57,700

Chen (January 09, 2009)

Air Traffic Controller

Average Annual Income = $102,030

Chen (August 11, 2008)

How many of these jobs are actually out there?

An estimated 50 million jobs right now 8 of the 10 fastest growing jobs do not require more than an associates degree

What are people with Associate Degrees Getting paid.

High School Some College Associates Degree Bachelors Degree

BLS.com, Department of Labor, 2002

By the looks of things having an associates degree will not make you rich but it will give you more options with greater pay.

Now lets look at a bachelors degree, is it worth the time and money?

Thats right more money and a bigger piece of paper, when it comes to a bachelors the wages are all over the place it really just depends on you and where your willing to go.

The Balancing Act

If any one of Stephens contributing factors falls through, it could mean disaster for his family.

References
Chen G.(August 11,2008). Earn a high paying career without a four year degree: Community College Review. Retrieved on November 11,2012 from http://www.communitycollegereview.com/articles/71 Chen G.(January 09, 2009). Value of an associates degree vs. bachelors degree: Community College Review. Retrieved on November 11, 2012 from http://www.communitycollegereview.com/articles/71

Credentialism, (Retrieved on November 18, 2012). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credentialism Crosby, O. (2002-2003). Associate degree: Two years to a career or a jump start to a bachelors degree. Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/winter/art01.pdf