Perception of Community Science Students in Relation to Vocationalization of B.Sc. Degree Program

Abstract

Community Science is a field that goes far beyond the stereotype of home-making and household chores. It is a rich and diverse domain that addresses a wide array of knowledge essential for enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities in an ever-evolving world. In the ever-evolving realm of higher education, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating vocational elements into academic programs. This shift aims to connect the dots between conventional classroom instruction and practical, real-world applications. This study delves into the realm of Vocationalization within the context of B.Sc. Community Science degree programs, aiming to evaluate the perception of students regarding this transformation. The B.Sc. Community Science degree was traditionally known as Home Science and was associated with a focus on theoretical and practical knowledge in domestic sciences, now it has evolved to incorporate practical vocational elements that equip graduates with skills necessary for contemporary life and employment. The result showed that in this study only 21% of the respondents expressed the view that Community Science education indeed offers viable vocational opportunities for students to pursue in their future careers, while 16% disagreed with this assertion and substantial majority of 63% of the students appeared to be undecided or neutral on this matter. This shift in curriculum design seeks to enhance the employability and career readiness of students while aligning academic pursuits with industry demands.