1. Introduction
The University of the Bahamas Graduate Report provides a critical breakdown of the institution’s academic output and strategic direction. By analyzing the 561 graduates from the 2018-2019 dataset, this report outlines the distribution of degrees across various divisions and meta-fields. This analysis serves to illuminate the university’s academic priorities, its alignment with labour market demands, and the profile of the skilled workforce it contributes to the national and regional economy.
2. Key Findings
2.1 Overview. The analysis of the University of the Bahamas Graduate Report dataset reveals distinct patterns amongst graduates. Organizing the results by division and division domain, provides a clearer understanding of where the education system is performing effectively and where targeted interventions are most urgently required.
2.1 | Table 1: Graduate Degree Percentage Breakdown by Division
Division | Percentage | Graduates |
Business & Hospitality Management | 25.49% | 143 |
Chemistry, Environment & Life Sciences | 10.52% | 59 |
Communications & Creative Arts | 5.17% | 29 |
Culinary Arts & Tourism Studies | 3.74% | 21 |
Education | 22.8% | 128 |
English Studies | 0.36% | 2 |
Math, Physics & Technology | 5.53% | 31 |
Nursing & Allied Health Professions | 12.83% | 72 |
Social Sciences | 13.55% | 76 |
2.1 | Table 2: Graduate Degree Percentage Breakdown by Division Field
Division Field | Percentage | Graduates |
S.T.E.M | 28.88% | 162 |
Humanities/Arts | 45.63% | 256 |
Vocational/Professional | 25.49% | 143 |
Note: The Division Fields are the following: S.T.E.M.: Chemistry, Environment & Life Sciences, Math, Physics & Technology, and Nursing & Allied Health Professions. Humanities/Arts: Social Sciences, English Studies, Education, Communications & Creative Arts, and Culinary Arts & Tourism Studies. Vocational/Professional: Business & Hospitality Management.
3. Analysis
The data reveals a distinct profile of the institution’s graduate output, characterized by a decisive concentration in fields directly tied to national economic and public service priorities:
- (1) The graduate distribution is heavily focused on three key areas that collectively represent over 61% of all degrees. Business & Hospitality Management (25.49%) stands as the largest division, underscoring a direct alignment with the tourism-centric Bahamian economy. Closely following, Education (22.8%) represents a critical investment in the nation’s human capital, supplying the public education system. Together with Social Sciences (13.55%), which feeds public administration and community services, these divisions highlight the university’s central role in national development.
- (2) Nursing & Allied Health Professions (12.83%) and Chemistry, Environment & Life Sciences (10.52%) form a vital STEM backbone for healthcare and environmental stewardship. In contrast, several divisions, such as English Studies (0.36%) and Culinary Arts & Tourism Studies (3.74%), represent a minimal share of graduates, suggesting their status as specialized or smaller-scale offerings within the broader institutional portfolio.
- (3) The predominance of the Humanities/Arts field (45.63%) is primarily driven by the classification of its largest professional divisions within this category. The S.T.E.M. field (28.88%) is notably supported by health and natural science programs, while the Vocational/Professional field (25.49%) is defined exclusively by the Business & Hospitality Management division in this taxonomy.
The institution demonstrates a mission-driven, practically oriented academic model. The vast majority of graduates are produced for direct entry into sectors fundamental to The Bahamas’ socio-economic infrastructure, indicating a curriculum and enrollment strategy consciously aligned with national needs.
4. Conclusion
The graduate distribution confirms the University of the Bahamas’s pivotal function as a primary supplier of skilled professionals for the nation’s core economic and public sectors. The overwhelming output in Business & Hospitality, Education, and Social Sciences reflects a strategic alignment with long-term national development goals, particularly in sustaining the tourism economy and strengthening public services.
This focused alignment suggests strong relevance and responsiveness to labour market demands. For future strategic planning, the institution may consider evaluating the alignment between the very small graduate cohorts in certain divisions and the nation’s broader needs for cultural, linguistic, and specialized technical skills. Ensuring a dynamic and balanced academic portfolio will enable the university to continue serving as a robust engine for both current workforce needs and the future diversification of the Bahamian economy.
5. Citation
- Department of Statistics. Labour Market Information Newsletter, Volume 32, No. 43. Ministry of Finance, The Bahamas, December 2019.