ACDIS update: 47.05% of CDI professionals hold or are pursuing higher-level degrees, survey finds

Anecdotally, the ACDIS team can tell you that more and more CDI professionals are seeking out higher-level education, pursuing masters and doctorate degrees. To get to the bottom of the cold-hard-numbers, ACDIS conducted a short survey on the topic.

According to the survey results, 35.29% of the respondents have completed a higher-level degree in the past, 11.76% are currently working toward a higher-level degree, and 52.94% are not. Of those 52.94%, 24.44% say they plan to pursue a higher degree in the future.

Of those who have or are pursuing a higher degree, 33.33% say they are writing or have written a thesis project as a part of their degree.

Those who have completed higher education said that their new degrees affected their careers in the following ways:

• 50% said it opened more manager/director roles for them
• 50% said it increased their salaries
• 50% said it gave them greater standing in their organization

Additionally, another 28.57% wrote in free-text responses. While there were a variety of responses, many wrote that their new degrees gave them confidence in their roles or to pursue other professional opportunities.

As to the reasons for pursuing these degrees, the common themes were professional opportunities and self-fulfillment/personal growth.

“I wanted to stand out among my peers. I wanted to advance my education,” wrote one respondent.

“I wanted to have a master’s degree to show myself and others that I can do it,” wrote another.

Editor’s note: For those interested in learning more about CDI professional development and higher-level degrees, stay tuned for the July/August CDI Journal focused on professional development and career ladders. If you have a question or an idea for a future ACDIS survey, please email ACDIS Editor Linnea Archibald.