Why a Science and Technology Degree is Good for You

The human resource needs of the information society` call for ever
greater numbers of science and technology (S& T) graduates, in line with
current expectations for continuing growth in Ireland`s
innovation-intensive sectors. Whereas the /social/ benefits from a
numerous S&T workforce in Ireland have been researched extensively, the
assumption that S&T degrees posses strong merits for /individuals/, has
yet to be tested empirically. The present paper presents the
professional and pecuniary merits of science and technology education in
Ireland using data from the Higher Education Authority`s (HEA) “First
Destinations of Award Recipients annual survey. Analysis of
individual-level data shows that in terms of the number of professional
options available after graduation and initial earnings, a S&T degree is
truly good for you.

Related Priority Research Area: Innovation Systems