Meet the University of Mary Washington’s undergraduate Class of 2017: 1,035 graduates boasting five types of degrees in countless areas of study. With freshly-minted diplomas in hand, where will our world-ready graduates go?
UMW’s Office of Career and Professional Development asked just that in its 2017 Exit Survey, which addressed post-graduation plans for the class of 2017. Here’s what we learned from the 727 responses:
More than half of the class know the next stop on their journey.
When the survey was taken several months ago, 18% of graduates had enrolled in a graduate program and 38% of graduates were already employed. Beyond that, another 15% had committed to military careers or volunteer service.
While master’s degrees top the list for higher education, students are also pursuing Ph.Ds, and J.Ds.
Although almost 80% of those headed to graduate school intend to receive a master’s we also have potential future lawyers and perhaps even professors in the mix.
The majority of students headed for graduate school are pursuing a degree in education.
True to our institution’s founding as a teacher’s preparatory school, a full 48% of our students pursuing continuing education reported that they are seeking a degree in education.
I have had the distinct pleasure of seeing the senior theses of most of the chemistry class. You are a fine group of young people! I wish you all the best!
William A. Wachter, Ph.D. Inorganic Chemistry (Northwestern University)
ExxonMobil retiree (35 years)