Get an edge in the job market
The most up-to-date research on employer demands tells us two things. Firstly, employers are clamoring for students who are adept in the core skills and knowledge central to the humanities, such as interpersonal, written, and oral communication, collaboration, leadership, ethics, knowledge about diversity/equity/inclusion and globalization, and critical thinking, to name only a few. Secondly, this research tells us that knowledge in the humanities has never been more important for our global, high-tech economy.
We need an in-depth understanding of human complexities — the political, cultural, and economic realities that shape our existence — as well as fluency in the powerful forms of thinking and creativity cultivated by the humanities, arts, and social sciences.
A perfect complement to STEM and business degrees
For students interested in one of Penn State's STEM degrees, there has been a 62% increase in STEM graduates from 2010-2020 (U.S. Department of Education) while the projected job growth in STEM areas is only projected to increase 8.8% from 2017-2029 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). That means that the job market for STEM graduates is going to be very competitive. The Keystone Certificate gives students an edge over STEM graduates who cannot boast an understanding of how science and technology impact society, as well as additional training in the core skills and knowledge employers want most from students. In addition to giving a significant edge on the job market, the certificate also helps students become a stronger and more critical thinkers.
It is in Apple's DNA that technology alone is not enough — it's technology married with the humanities that yields us the results that make our heart sing.
Students majoring in fields of business are also facing a very competitive job market, as business is consistently the most popular major in the United States, accounting for almost 20% of all college graduates in 2016-17! One way Keystone Certificate graduates stand out from other candidates in the job market is their ability to talk to prospective employers about how the certificate helped them not only better understand the relationship between society and business, but also helped them learn the core skills and knowledge businesses most desire.
Students in all majors are welcome to take courses in the Keystone Certificate because regardless of major, what students learn in humanities courses can be linked to their major and career goals while helping hone an in-demand skill set.
Become a better problem solver
Countless titans of technology and captains of industry regularly talk about the importance of the core skills and knowledge learned in the humanities. In addition, they regularly tout the humanities for their ability to train minds to think critically, to encourage effective communication, and to promote excellence in problem solving, as well as training minds to be flexible, agile, able to learn quickly, and comfortable with ambiguity.
The Keystone Certificate can help you expand your thinking about your major and career and help you stand out among over one million students who graduate from college every year. And you can earn the certificate without adding significant time to your degree plan because all of the courses fulfill general education requirements!
So, what are you waiting for? Join us now — we'd love to have you!