Overview

Abstract (English)

Drawing on data from the 2009/2010 National Graduate Surveys, this doctoral research builds upon past research comparing the outcomes of university graduates of various postsecondary programs across earnings, objective and subjective work-to-education match, and job satisfaction. This research consists of four areas of study. Statistical analyses first compare fields of study using disaggregated categories of liberal arts and STEM (science, technology, mathematics, and engineering) programs, to determine the extent to which the labour market outcomes vary for graduates of university programs that are traditionally aggregated in the wider literature. The next stage of research analyzes the outcomes of postsecondary graduates of traditional versus non-traditional (distance education) programs. Comparisons of outcomes of university graduates who specialized in bilingual versus technical (i.e., science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) pursuits comprise the third area of study. Finally, statistical models include sociodemographic variables to assess whether traditional dimensions of disadvantage have remained salient in the outcomes of university graduates from the most recent wave of the National Graduate Surveys. Statistical analyses are comprised of descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, binary logistic regression, and graphical displays of predicted probabilities. This dissertation revisits the debate regarding the viability of human capital, credentialist, and labour market segmentation approaches. The policy implications of the results are also discussed.

Abstract (French)

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