In an executive order signed on Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy said experience and learned skills can be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. The new order requires the state’s Civil Service Commission to spend the next six months reviewing public-sector jobs and identifying those that don’t need a college diploma.
The change comes as higher education officials note declining college enrollments and rising costs for both schools and students. It also coincides with a national labor shortage that is hitting just about every sector from teaching to health care workers.
