The Evolving Purpose of Higher Education: Why Degrees Need Both Practical Skills and Critical Thinking

Debates about higher education funding are increasing across state legislatures and in Congress. Lawmakers are questioning the value of some degree programs and the broader purpose of higher education.

The Rise of Professional Graduate Degrees

Professional graduate degrees have grown in popularity over the past several decades. These programs include business administration and engineering management. They focus on workforce advancement rather than academic research.
These degrees often cost significantly more than traditional graduate programs. As a result, many people call them “cash-cow” programs. Their tuition revenue often exceeds the actual cost of instruction.
In addition, universities use these programs to expand online, executive and certificate-based offerings. These attract large numbers of domestic and international students who pay full tuition. As a result, universities gain steady revenue to subsidize other students.
However, this shift also creates tension in higher education. Practical training is rising, while broader, inquiry-based education is shrinking.

The Value That Data Often Misses

History shows that authoritarian regimes often silence poets and writers first. Their voices represent the power of inquiry and expression. Higher education should protect that power.
Why Students Stick to Safe Majors
Today’s students feel pressure to choose “safe” majors that promise high salaries. Aspiring doctors and engineers, for example, follow strict academic paths from an early stage.
Course requirements and competition limit their time for exploration. As a result, many students trade curiosity for credentials.
Students who start in one discipline rarely get the freedom to experiment with others. This narrow approach prevents them from seeing the value of cross-disciplinary thinking.

How Different Fields Complement Each Other

Students who cross academic boundaries gain unique insights. For example, psychology teaches observation and experimentation. Engineering teaches modeling and optimization.
Combined, these fields help students understand how people interact with technology. They also show how technology shapes human behavior. No single field can answer these questions alone.