Vice President Kamala Harris has announced plans to sign an executive order on her first day in office, should she succeed in the upcoming presidential election, with the aim of eliminating unnecessary degree requirements for certain federal jobs. This commitment was made during a recent campaign event in Wisconsin.
Commitment to Reducing Degree Requirements
Previously, Harris had indicated a willingness to ease college degree requirements for government positions, but her latest statement underscores the intention to prioritize this initiative from the beginning of her presidency. This approach reflects a broader trend in employment practices, with both Harris and former President Donald Trump advocating for skills-based hiring and apprenticeship programs as alternatives to traditional college degrees.
State and Corporate Movements
Several states are currently moving toward reducing degree prerequisites for specific government roles, a shift that is also being mirrored by major companies such as IBM and Google, which are adjusting their hiring practices to prioritize skills over formal educational credentials. During her remarks, Harris emphasized the importance of this change, stating, “One of the things I’m doing on Day 1 — because I can do it by executive order — is I will eliminate unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs. And then I will challenge the private sector to do the same.”
Historical Context and Comparison
It is important to note that Trump had previously initiated similar efforts, having signed an executive order in 2020 aimed at reducing degree requirements for certain federal positions in favor of a skill-focused approach. The specifics of how Harris’s strategy would differ from Trump’s policies in this area have not been clarified by her campaign.
Impact on the Workforce
These initiatives are intended to address workforce shortages and expand the pool of candidates eligible for federal employment. However, some experts in higher education express concern that employers might still depend on degree attainment when making hiring and compensation decisions. A report by Georgetown University forecasts that by 2031, 66% of desirable jobs will be held by individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree, suggesting that traditional educational qualifications will continue to be in demand.