The 21st-Century Demand for Transformative Educational Change

Fueled by increasing computational power and fast global networks, the 21st-century economy is one in which automation, data science, and, more recently, artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems, create new jobs—both in emerging and well-established fields—that are typically at a higher technical level, while destroying jobs with repetitive routines. Though job destruction is not expected to outpace job creation in the next five years, new occupational opportunities require capabilities and skills that are in short supply in the current workforce. Employers struggle to negotiate yawning skills-gaps as they maneuver to fill positions that require specific expertise. Simultaneously, professionals struggle to expand their repertoires and develop new talent to maintain their competitive edge—and must be prepared to continue learning and upskilling to sustain longer career spans.

Transformation in industry must be met by transformation in education. The longstanding model of a degree that provides the knowledge framework and habits of mind that last a lifetime is insufficient. This model needs to be reimagined and expanded with programs of different formats and credentials (certificates to advanced degrees and specializations), renewable curricula, and flexible delivery. More college students work while studying, and many hold full-time jobs. These working professionals seek programs that are truly relevant to the industry trends and skills-gaps driving the new economy—and that accommodate their busy schedules.

Our Vision

Metropolitan College is on the cutting edge of two key tenets required to navigate the changing economy: new curriculum development and flexible, multimodal delivery models. Led by a faculty whose collective finger is on the pulse of industry, we will continue to provide career-boosting education through programs that offer hands-on, applied learning that prepares students for success in tech-driven and analytics-enabled roles. Our professional degree and certificate programs, flexible and innovative learning formats, and emphasis on applied scholarship are designed to provide continuous upskilling and reeducation opportunities that will help adult learners maintain a competitive stance throughout their career lifetime.

As we look ahead, our vision is clear:

  • Affirm and expand MET’s leadership position in professional continuing education
  • Develop and provide programs that incorporate real-world knowledge and skills while meeting the standards of a global research university
  • Foster an inclusive learning and working environment that supports all students, faculty, and staff and helps them thrive
  • Strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations for innovative teaching and applied research and scholarship
  • Advance understanding of, and advocate for, lifelong learning for professional success and societal impact

By virtue of its clear mission, Boston University’s Metropolitan College is able to address rapidly developing innovations with agility while providing flexible study formats, affordable pathways through curricula, and proven outcomes in terms of professional education for extended career spans. We are well-positioned to meet the challenges ahead while ensuring our graduates are equipped for career success.


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