At Washington State University, we want to ensure that our programs drive students toward success. One way we do that is by aligning our academic offerings with the needs of Washington’s labor market. When proposing a new program, or when reviewing an existing program, one of the most important questions to answer is: Is there real demand for this program, both from students and from employers?
That’s where our program reviews come in. The Office of Institutional Research’s program insight reports help answer that question by combining labor market data with program context, giving faculty and administrators the tools to make informed decisions. Our reports use labor market data to offer insight into how a program connects with workforce needs. For newly proposed programs, this means establishing an evidence-based foundation for alignment and approval. For existing programs, our reports help identify opportunities to refine, expand, or adapt in response to current market trends.
For example, below is a summary snippet from our recent review of a proposed online computer science program from WSU Global:
- Labor market strength: While there are challenges for entry level computer science occupations due to the rise of automation and AI, demand in Washington overall remains strong. Wages for computer science occupations are high across the field, with median earnings over $144 thousand per year at the Bachelor’s degree level.
- Regional demand: In Washington, computer science roles requiring a Bachelor’s degree averaged more than 10,500 annual openings from 2022 to 2024.
- Competition and opportunity: Across Washington, more than 1,300 students completed a Bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2024. Despite this, demand continues to outpace supply within the state. Innovative delivery models from WSU Global – like their flexible 2+2 pathways – would help to differentiate the proposed program’s approach and reach learners who might otherwise turn to alternatives such as bootcamps or industry certifications.
Labor market insights like those shown above help to demonstrate the need and opportunities for both proposed and long-established programs. These program reports allow faculty to see not just where the demand is today, but also how to anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.
In short: program reviews connect WSU’s academic vision with Washington’s economic reality. We’re able to provide data and context that help programs stay competitive, responsive, and impactful for our students and for the communities we serve.
If you’d like to learn more about how labor market insight can support your program planning, visit our Labor Market Information page.
About the Author
Stephen Pool is a Data and Strategy Associate in Institutional Research at Washington State University. With his background in labor market analysis and education economics, he supports the WSU system by providing insights that inform decision-making and guide the university’s priorities.