Shifting from Traditional to Professional Studies

This study reviewed the trend in undergraduate
curriculum development in Ontario from 2000 to 2004.
The study confirmed a trend toward the development
of professional undergraduate degree programs and a
shift away from the traditional liberal arts and
sciences. Signs of change in curriculum development
were evident in the comparison of research data
including survey responses, content analysis, and
interviews. Influential factors discussed include
government funding, marketplace and student demand
(s), social and career changes, participation in
postsecondary education, administration, curriculum
relevancy, technology, alternative delivery, and the
evolving role of a university education in
contemporary society.

Through the comparison of research tools
including a survey, interviews, and a content
analysis, it is evident that there is a trend toward
development of undergraduate programs that place
emphasis on curriculum that leads to the career
pathway.

Autorentext
Krista (Yetman) Pearson is a senior university administrator
based in Ontario, Canada. Her interests include university
curriculum development, international education, antiracist
education, and enrolment trends. She is currently a doctoral
student studying sociocultural contexts of education.

Klappentext
This study reviewed the trend in undergraduate curriculum development in Ontario from 2000 to 2004. The study confirmed a trend toward the development of professional undergraduate degree programs and a shift away from the traditional liberal arts and sciences. Signs of change in curriculum development were evident in the comparison of research data including survey responses, content analysis, and interviews. Influential factors discussed include government funding, marketplace and student demand (s), social and career changes, participation in postsecondary education, administration, curriculum relevancy, technology, alternative delivery, and the evolving role of a university education in contemporary society. Through the comparison of research tools including a survey, interviews, and a content analysis, it is evident that there is a trend toward development of undergraduate programs that place emphasis on curriculum that leads to the career pathway.