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 627 graduates from the 2020-2021 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 field, 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 |
Business & Hospitality Management | 22.81% |
Chemistry, Environment & Life Sciences | 7.18% |
Communications & Creative Arts | 5.10% |
Culinary Arts & Tourism Studies | 5.10% |
Education | 18.8% |
English Studies | 0.48% |
Math, Physics & Technology | 4.47% |
Nursing & Allied Health Professions | 22.49% |
Social Sciences | 13.56% |
2.1 | Table 2: Graduate Degree Percentage Breakdown by Division Field
Division Field | Percentage |
S.T.E.M | 34.13% |
Humanities/Arts | 43.06% |
Vocational/Professional | 22.81% |
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 reveal a significant shift in the institution’s graduate output compared to previous years, marked by a pronounced rise in healthcare-related fields and a more balanced distribution among top divisions, reflecting potential responsiveness to contemporary societal needs:
- (1) A notable development is the substantial growth of Nursing & Allied Health Professions (22.49%), bringing it to near parity with the traditionally largest division, Business & Hospitality Management (22.81%). This shift suggests a strategic or market-driven response to heightened demand for healthcare professionals, likely influenced by global and national health priorities during the 2020-2021 period. Together, these two divisions account for over 45% of all graduates.
- (2) Education (18.8%) continues as a major pillar, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to building the nation’s teaching workforce. Social Sciences (13.56%) maintains its significant role in supplying graduates for governance, community services, and administrative sectors.
- (3) There is a noticeable contraction in Chemistry, Environment & Life Sciences (7.18%) compared to prior years, while divisions such as Communications & Creative Arts (5.10%) and Culinary Arts & Tourism Studies (5.10%) hold steady but remain relatively small. English Studies (0.48%) continues to represent a minimal share of total graduates.
- (4) The Humanities/Arts field (43.06%) retains the largest share, again heavily influenced by the inclusion of Business, Education, and Social Sciences. The S.T.E.M. field (34.13%) shows strengthening, primarily due to the increased output in Nursing and Allied Health. The Vocational/Professional field (22.81%) is defined solely by the Business & Hospitality Management division.
The institution demonstrates adaptive and resilient academic programming, with its graduate output visibly pivoting to meet urgent national needs in healthcare while sustaining its core commitments to business, education, and public service.
4. Conclusion
The 2020–2021 graduate profile underscores the University of The Bahamas’s capacity to adapt its academic output in alignment with dynamic national and global circumstances. The surge in Nursing & Allied Health graduates, alongside sustained strength in Business and Education, highlights an institution that is both responsive to immediate societal demands and steadfast in supporting long-term economic and public sector foundations.
This evolving distribution suggests a strategic alignment with critical workforce gaps, particularly in healthcare. For future planning, the university should assess whether this shift represents a temporary adjustment or a long-term strategic redirection. Additionally, evaluating the support and strategic positioning of smaller, yet culturally and economically relevant divisions, such as Culinary Arts and English Studies, remains important for maintaining a comprehensive and balanced academic mission that serves all facets of national development.
5. Citation
- Department of Statistics. Labour Market Information Newsletter, Volume 34, No. 45. Ministry of Finance, The Bahamas, December 2021.