The Future of University Credentials: New Developments at the Intersection of Higher Education and Hiring

2017 Phillip E. Frandson Award for Literature in the Field of Professional, Continuing, and/or Online Education, University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)

The Future of University Credentials offers a thorough and urgently needed overview of the burgeoning world of university degrees and credentials. At a time of heightened attention to how universities and colleges are preparing young people for the working world, questions about the meaning and value of university credentials have become especially prominent. Sean Gallagher guides us through this fast-changing terrain, providing much-needed context, details, and insights.
 
The book casts a wide net, focusing on traditional higher education degrees and on the myriad certificates and other postsecondary awards that universities and other institutions now issue. He describes the entire ecosystem of credentials, including universities and colleges, employers, government agencies, policy makers and influencers—and, not least, the students whose futures are profoundly affected by these certifications. And he looks intently at where university credentials might be headed, as educational institutions seek to best serve students and employers in a rapidly changing world.
 
The result is an unprecedented, comprehensive look at the current credentialing landscape in higher education—as well as at the future challenges and opportunities for this vital field.

Sean R. Gallagher is the Chief Strategy Officer for Northeastern University’s Global Network. Sean is a nationally recognized expert on strategy and innovation in higher education, with more than fifteen years of experience as a consultant, manager, and administrator. Since joining Northeastern in 2009, Sean has built a central strategy function unique among major US universities, working across colleges and academic domains to catalyze and launch new programs and initiatives and enter new geographic markets. Prior to Northeastern, Sean worked for nearly ten years at research/consulting firm Eduventures, where he played an instrumental role in growing the company by launching and leading many of its research practices while advising top industry executives and investors. Sean is frequently invited to speak at conferences and events, and his analysis and commentary have been featured in leading media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, CBS Television, and the New York Times. Sean’s research has been cited in numerous academic papers and books. Sean also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Bay State College, and holds a lecturer appointment in Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies. He holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from Northeastern University, an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology, and a BS in Marketing from Northeastern.