Gov. Shapiro Signs Executive Order Nixing College Degree Requirement For Most State Jobs

Gov. Shapiro signing the executive order surrounded by state employees.
Credit: PA Internet News Service

As one of his first acts in office, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order declaring that 92 percent of state government jobs – or approximately 65,000 – will not require a four-year college degree.

Shapiro, with Lt. Gov. Austin Davis standing nearby, on Wednesday morning signed Executive Order 2023-03, the first of the Democratic Shapiro-Davis Administration.

The order immediately required the Pennsylvania Office of Administration to “emphasize skills and experience in commonwealth job postings and ordering a review of the remaining 8 percent of state government jobs that currently require a four-year degree, many of which are required statutorily required,” Shapiro’s office said in a statement.

“Gov. Shapiro also ordered all state agencies under his jurisdiction to take steps to emphasize work experience in their hiring. As part of that order, the Shapiro Administration launched a new website where applicants can easily search among the thousands of open positions that don’t require a four-year degree. That website is now linked from the homepage at www.employment.pa.gov,” the statement added.

The move was expected and part of Shapiro’s pitch to voters.

“Every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to chart their own course and have a real opportunity to succeed. They should get to decide what’s best for them – whether they want to go to college or straight into the workforce – not have that decided for them. Today, we are making sure Pennsylvanians know that the doors of opportunity are wide open to those who want to serve our commonwealth, regardless of whether or not they have a degree” said Shapiro. “I want to make it clear to all Pennsylvanians, whether they went to college or they gained experience through work, job training, or an apprenticeship program: we value your skills and talents, and we want you to apply for a job with the commonwealth.”

Davis said the order will open more opportunities to people without degrees and allow them to apply for good-paying middle-class jobs.

The Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. File photo.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver and two state employees without college degrees – Beth Christian, acting deputy secretary of administration, and Darice Mayhew, director of administration for the – were at the signing ceremony.

“As a long-time commonwealth employee who does not have a four-year degree, Gov. Shapiro’s signing of this executive order means so much to me, both personally and professionally,” said Acting Deputy Secretary of Administration Beth Christian. “This executive order tells current commonwealth employees and anyone looking to come work for the state of Pennsylvania, we support you, with or without a degree. Thank you, Gov. Shapiro for recognizing the importance of this topic and ensuring that removing barriers for state employment is a priority.”

Christian told reporters she realized college wasn’t right for her years ago, but she didn’t know the decision would follow her for years as she worked in state government. However, she was able to work her way up in state government by going through several jobs and gaining experiance.

Mayhew ended up going back to school to earning a degree to fulfill her personal goal.