The changing value of the BA

Once a distinction that opened doors to myriad options and rewarding jobs, the bachelor of arts has come to the point where even many of those who complete one view it as a stepping stone to the degree they really need. There is concern that not enough of BA graduates excel at the core skills of a liberal arts education, leaving students feeling compelled to pursue graduate, professional, or college credentials to prove their worth. While it has never been all about employability, the BA's goal of broadening and challenging young minds has been affected by large and impersonal lecture-style classes, with little access to busy faculty members. Some call for increased government funding to better offset rising enrolment; others suggest universities need to better communicate expectations before students arrive, and should offer more career counselling. Whatever the solution, the BA must change in order to restore its currency. Globe and Mail