In a move to highlight the importance of predictive data, Studyportals has released research that highlights opportunities for US based institutions to offer programs in areas that are in high student demand.
These program areas has been highlighted as there is also low supply from institutions.
In compiling the report, Studyportals recommends key considerations that can increase the potential of market success by identifying groups within institutions.
Take note, these are:
University leadership and strategic planners
- Develop new programs in high-demand, low-supply subjects. Optimizing your institution’s programme portfolio isa good way to ensure that your institution is responsive to what students are asking for, and that your institution remains competitive.
- Update existing curricula to include courses or specializations in these high-demand areas. This can be a quicker way to address demand than creating entirely new programs.
- Partner with Industry to ensure that the programs are aligned with current job market needs. This could include guest lectures, internships, or collaborative research projects.
- Focus on Interdisciplinary Studies that combine elements of high-demand fields. For example, a program that integrates data science with healthcare or environmental studies.
International recruitment and admissions
- Increase the variety of programs targeting international students to appeal to a broader range of students and increase the number of international students across your program portfolio.
- Diversify recruitment focus countries to take advantage of interest in these subjects to increase thenumber of student applications and enrollments from students from around the world. Certain subjects are popular among specific demographics, universities can use this information to make their campuses more diverse.
- Highlight employability by promoting in-demand subjects, you help align the university’s offerings with the labor market’s requirements, making your institution a more attractive option for students concerned with employability.
University marketing professionals
- Allocate marketing budget to emphasize these new or updated programs effectively and increase the return on investment of campaigns. This might include targeting specific regions or demographics where interest in these fields is particularly high.
- Investigate programme titles by finding out which keywords in the titles of degree programs will attract more interest. Find out which institutions are offering similarly named programs and competing for the same student audience.
- Enhance relevance by showcasing programs that are in line with current trends. You can highlight these in your marketing materials, emphasizing the university’s strengths and unique offerings in these fields.
So what are the opportunities?
At the bachelors level they identify the following:
- Artificial Intelligence
- User Experience Design
- Machine Learning
- Dentistry
- Web Technologies & Cloud Computing
- Mechatronics
- Hospitality Management
- Information Technology (IT)
- Data Science & Big Data
- International Law
At Masters level they identify:
- Construction Management
- Robotics
- Digital Marketing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Neuroscience
- Human Computer Interaction
- Food Science
- Data Science & Big Data
- Marketing
- Cyber Security
For additional information, including metrics that sit behind these programs, the report can be downloaded here.
The Koala understands Studyportals will compile similar reports for major destinations, including Australia, in the coming months.
