By blending two data streams—actual educational impact on graduates & career success and employer evaluations've crafted rankings that not only reflect educational prestige but also real-world efficacy in the digital realm.
Our methodology is designed to capture both the prevalence and the perception of university programs within the digital sector. Thus, the category rankings we produced were enriched by integrating insights from two robust data sources: a global survey gathering opinions from over 3,500 digital experts and 150,000 digital professional CV and educational profile analysis.
This approach provides a nuanced understanding of the performance of graduates as perceived by employers, offering a direct look at how educational outcomes align with industry expectations and needs.
This document outlines the three-step methodology that culminates in the creation of the rankings:
1. Generation of two data sets
A - Employer Evaluation data set
3,697 industry professionals reviewed and voted on the best universities and schools for
each category.
Qualified panel:
- IT managers : 1,187
- Digital professionals : 1,118
- Start-up founders and managers : 1,392
They were asked to select up to 15 universities or schools in 5 category lists. Category
names correspond to fields of study or programs covering skill groups
- Best Institutions for Computer Science Studies: Computer science is the gateway to understanding and shaping the digital world, empowering learners to innovate, solve complex problems, and revolutionize technology across all industries.
- Best Institutions for Data Science, AI & Business Analytics Studies: Data science, AI, and Business Analytics represent the forefront of innovation, empowering organizations to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and unlock new opportunities for growth and success in the digital era.
- Best Institutions for Digital Entrepreneurship Programs: Digital Entrepreneurship refers to the practice of creating, developing, and managing businesses that operate primarily in the digital realm. Ranked universities and schools are recognized for their innovative environment and to empower students or professionals into sustainable entrepreneurial success.
- Best Institutions for Digital Transformation Management Programs: Digital
Transformation Management learning aims to train interdisciplinary professionals with the strategic vision and leadership skills in both the IT and business fields to drive organizational and business changes. - Best Online Programs for Digital Learning and Innovation Skills: Online learning is pivotal for career growth, especially in today’s ever-changing digital landscape. With its accessibility and reach, it allows people to upskill on their schedule, adapt to changes and advance their career.
Total number of votes: 190,432 votes for 300 universities ranked.
| Field phase: |
15th of February - 27th February |
| Method: |
Online Survey |
| 11 Countries: |
China, Hong-Kong, France, Germany, India, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, UK and USA |
B - Educational Impact Assessment data set
1) Educational profile extraction
- Selection by profile activity: All profiles selected have graduated within the past 10 years and updated their CV within the past 6 months. This way we ensure that the CV is accurate and reflects the educational and career journey of the digital professional.
- Selection by job profile: The research encompasses around 100 job titles that are requiring digital skills. We selected professional currently holding job titles corresponding to the following job roles:
- Tech & Dev
- AI Specialists
- Blockchain Expert
- IoT Specialist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- NLP Expert
- Autonomous Systems Developer
- Computational Linguist
- Computer Vision Enginee
- Deep Learning Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Full Stack Developer
- Algorithm Specialist
- Biometrics Engineer
- Prompt Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Cybersecurity Expert
- Executive & Learning
- CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
- COO (Chief Operating Officer)
- CPO (Chief Product Officer)
- CDO (Chief Data Officer)
- CDiO (Chief Digital Officer)
- CXO (Chief Experience Officer)
- CIO (Chief Information Officer)
- CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)
- CINO (Chief Innovation Officer)
- CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
- VP of Technology
- Managing Partner
- Entrepreneur
- Founder
- Co-founder
- Investor
- VC (Venture Capitalist)
- Product & Design
- Product Manager
- UI/UX Designer
- User Experience Specialist
- Management & Strategy
- Innovation Manager
- Sustainability Officer
- Management Consultant
- Associate Consultant
- Technology Consultant
- Transformational Director
- Strategy Consultant
- Data & Analytics
- Data Engineer
- Business Engineer
- Business Intelligence Consultant
- Data Analyst
- Data Privacy Officer
- Data Scientist, Data Science
- Consultant / Manager
- Analytics and Reporting Specialist
- Marketing & Communications
- Technology Evangelist
- Growth Hacker
- Email Marketing Manager
- Marketing Automation Specialist
- Conversion Rate Optimizer
- Inbound Marketing Specialist
- Marketing Manager
- Brand Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Content Marketing Specialist
- Finance & Investment
- Financial Analyst
- Asset Manager
- Private Equity Analyst
- Risk Manager
- Wealth Manager
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Selection by company industry: The research encompasses around 70 industry
sectors that are at the forefront of innovation and deeply influenced by digital transformation. The sectors included are pivotal in driving advancements and exemplify the integration of cutting-edge technologies into their core operations, shaping the future of business and commerce. The selected professionals work in the following industries:
- Technology & Communications
- Information Technology & Services
- Telecommunications
- Internet
- Computer & Network Security
- Finance & Business Services
- Banking, Capital Markets, Financial Services
- Staffing & Outsourcing Services
- Accounting
- Insurance
- Management Consulting
- Education Management
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Practice
- Hospital & Health Care
- Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Medical Device
- Veterinary
- Energy & Chemicals
- Oil & Energy
- Renewables & Environment
- Mining & Metals
- Chemicals
- Transportation & Logistics
- Airlines/Aviation
- Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Maritime, Aviation & Aerospace
- Media, Arts & Entertainment
- Broadcast Media
- Marketing & Advertising
- Digital Entertainment (Animation, Computer Games)
- Publishing
- Performing Arts & Music
- Media Production
- Digital Entertainment
- Consumer & Retail
- Apparel & Fashion
- Luxury Goods & Jewellery
- Retail
- Consumer Goods
- Consumer Services
- Automotive & Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Electrical & Electronic Manufacturing
- Industrial Engineering & Automation
- Selection by country: The selection of countries for this study has been strategically determined by their respective scales and the significance of their contributions to the global digital transformation. We focus on nations that not only have substantial market sizes but also showcase a profound and measurable impact on the advancement and integration of digital technologies.
| Region |
Sample |
Share |
Main Coutries Represented |
| AMERICAS |
47500 |
31,7% |
United States, Canada, Brazi, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Argentina |
| ASIA-PACIFIC |
46000 |
30,7% |
China (incl. Hong Kong), India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam |
| EUROPE |
45000 |
30,0% |
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Estonia, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, Czechia, Hungary, Denmark, Finland, Norway |
| MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA |
11500 |
7,7% |
South Africa,Nigeria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Morocco, Qatar, Senegal, Other |
2) Impact Measurement
- Data selection: Within the 150.000 CVs, we set criteria to select relevant profiles
and then count the university occurrences in their educational section of the CV - category by category.
| Sub-Ranking Category |
Job Title Selection |
Sector Selection |
Search for specific terms in Program name and description |
| Data Science |
ALL |
ALL |
DATA SCIENCE:
Data Science, Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Statistics, Quantitative Methods, Big Data, Data Visualization, Biostatistics, Data and Policy Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Data Mining, Database Management, Information Theory, Data Governance, Data Ethics, Computational Statistics.
BUSINESS DATA:
Business Analyst, Business Intelligence (BI), Financial Data Analyst, Management Analyst, Financial Analyst, Data Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Operation Research Analyst, Data Strategy Specialist, Business Data Strategist.
AI:
Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Deep Learning, Autonomous Systems, Computer Vision, Cognitive Computing, Neural Computation, Cyber-Physical Systems, Intelligent Systems Engineering, Computational Neuroscience, Speech and Audio Processing, Quantum Computing, Large Language Models (LLMs). |
| Computer Science |
ALL |
ALL |
Computing and Software Development:
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Coding, Web Development, Software, Information Technology, System Engineering
Security and Networking:
Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, Network and Security
Interactive Media and Design:
Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, Game Development, Game Design
Advanced Computing Technologies:
Mobile Computing, Embedded Systems, Computer Graphics, Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality, Multimedia Computing, Cloud Computing
Emerging and Specialized Technologies:
Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), E-commerce Technology |
| Digital Transformation Management |
Executive Leadership:
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Product Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Managing Director, President
Strategic Leadership and Management:
Management Analyst, Operations Director, Growth Director, Intrapreneur, Digital Transformation Lead, Digital Strategy Lead, Digital Operations Leader, IT Consultant, Strategy Consultant, Innovation Strategist
Technology and Digital Transformation:
Tech Lead, IT Security Leader, Digital Transformation Leader, Technology Innovation Lead, Information Systems Director, Digitalization Director, Digital Transformation Manager, Digital Innovation Manager, Digital Project Manager
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:
Data Analytics Lead, Data Analytics Manager, Business Intelligence Information Director, BI Director
Security and Operations:
Security Analyst, Operations Research Analyst
Product and Innovation Management:
Product Development Leader, Head of Product, Innovation Leader, Innovation Manager, Research and Development Manager |
ALL |
NO |
| Digital Entrepreneurship |
Founders:
Founder, Co-
Founder, Entrepreneur,
Startup Founder /
Entrepreneur
Executive Leadership:
Chief
Executive Officer, Chief
Revenue Officer, Chief
Strategy Officer, Chief
Marketing Officer, Chief
Information Officer, Chief
Technology Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, Chief
Product Officer, Chief Growth
Officer, Chief Data Officer,
Chief Digital Officer, Chief
Experience Officer, Chief
Innovation Officer, President,
Managing Director
Venture and Investment:
Investor, Vice-President,
Partner, Business Owner,
Venture Capitalist, Angel
Investor, Managing Partner,
Shareholder
Strategy and Development:
Innovation Leader, Startup
Advisor, Business
Development Manager,
Product Manager, |
Technology and Digital:
Information Technology and
Services, Computer Hardware,
Telecommunications, Consumer
Electronics, Computer Software,
Computer and Network Security,
Internet, and Advertising,
Entertainment, Market
information Services, Computer
Networking, Wireless.
Finance et Insurance:
Banking,
Capital Markets, Financial
Services, Accounting, Insurance,
Investment Management,
Investment Banking, Venture
Capital and Private Equity.
Health and Wellness:
Medical
Practice, Health, Wellness and
Fitness, Mental Health Care.
Media and Entertainment:
Broadcast Media, Marketing
search, Media Production,
Performing Arts, Motion Pictures
and Film, Music, Publishing.
Consumer Services and Goods:
Apparel and Fashion, Retail,
Consumer Goods, Consumer
Services, Education
Management, Business Supplies
and Equipment, Consumer
Electronics.
Energy and Environment:
Renewables and Environment.
Creative Industries:
Computer
Games, Animation.
Corporate Services:
Staffing and
Recruiting, Logistics and Supply
Chain, Management Consulting,
Executive Office,
Outsourcing/Offshoring. |
|
| Online Studies |
Executive Leadership:
Chief
Data Officer, Chief Digital
Officer, Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Experience Officer, Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Growth Officer,
Chief Information Officer,
Chief Innovation Officer,
Chief Marketing Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, Chief
Product Officer, Chief
Revenue Officer, Chief
Strategy Officer, Chief
Technology Officer,
Managing Director, President.
Strategic Leadership and
Management:
Digital
Operations Leader, Digital
Strategy Lead, Digital
Transformation Lead, Growth
Director, IT Consultant,
Innovation Strategist,
Intrapreneur, Operations
Director, Strategy Consultant,
Business Development
Manager, Innovation Leader,
Product Manager, Sales
Strategist, Startup Advisor.
Technology and Digital
Transformation:
Digital
Innovation Manager, Digital
Project Manager, Digital
Transformation Leader,
Digital Transformation
Manager, Digitalization
Director, IT Security Leader,
Information Systems Director,
Tech Lead, Technology
Innovation Lead.
Data Analytics and Business
Intelligence:
BI Director,
Business Intelligence
Information Director, Data
Analytics Lead, Data
Analytics Manager.
Security and Operations:
Operations Research
Analyst, Security Analyst.
Product and Innovation
Management:
Head of
Product, Innovation Leader,
Innovation Manager, Product
Development Leader,
Research and Development
Manager.
Founders and investors:
Co-Founder, Entrepreneur,
Founder, Startup Founder /
Entrepreneur, Angel Investor,
Business Owner, Investor,
Managing Partner, Partner,
Shareholder, Venture
Capitalist, Vice-President. |
ALL |
Distance
Virtual
Remote
E-Learning
Digital
Web-Based
Internet-Based
Online
Cyber Interactive |
- Data processing: Unifying and indexing university instances to count occurrences
and build category rankings.
To establish a standardized university list from a multitude of distinct labels indicating the same institutions, we conducted a detailed standardization process. This required identifying and unifying numerous instances of similar or related labels for each university.
We developed a consistent set of naming conventions and indexed each institution by cross-referencing with official sources. Through this rigorous indexing, we ensured that each university was uniquely and accurately represented in the comprehensive list, despite the variation in original references.
For example, in instances where CVs presented a university and its affiliated business school as separate entities, we combined them into a single entity for reporting purposes. The naming convention for the merged entity is determined by the frequency of occurrence for each institution. If the business school is referenced more frequently, the combined occurrences are listed under the business school's name, with an added reference to the affiliated university.
Conversely, if the university has a higher occurrence rate, the unified
designation reflects the university's name, with an acknowledgment of the incorporated business school votes.
The same process and rules were used for all 5 category rankings.
2. Production of 5 Category Rankings
To merge the two strands of data:
- Employer evaluation (“Survey”).
- Educational impact (“Datamining”).
Into a consolidated ranking, we employed a weighted scoring system.
- Each university’s frequency of appearance in the CVs of digital professionals
contributed to one component of the score, representing the university’s market
impact (“Datamining”). - Simultaneously, the votes from recruiters, reflecting the perceived quality of
graduates, formed the second component (“Survey”). - These two figures were then combined, with appropriate weighting, to yield a unified score for each institution.
The weighting model took into account statistical factors such as the total number of votes / occurrences from both sets and the normal distribution of the data (applying compensatory weighting in cases of significant disparity), as well as the relevance of each data set to specific categories.
Weight Ratios Survey / Data Mining applied by category:
- Best institutions for Computer Science studies: 1:1
- Best institutions for Data Science, AI & Business analytics studies: 1:2
- Best institutions for Digital Entrepreneurship programs: 1:1
- Best institutions for Digital Transformation Management: 1:1
- Best institutions for Online Programs: 1:4
3. Production of the Global Ranking
We combined the results obtained by each university in each ranking by subject, giving each category the following weight:
- Best institutions for Computer Science studies: 30%
- Best institutions for Data Science, AI & Business analytics studies: 30%
- Best institutions for Digital Entrepreneurship programs: 10%
- Best institutions for Digital Transformation Management programs: 20%
- Best institutions for Online Programs: 10%
Note: Whenever a university and its affiliated business school appeared as separate entities across various category rankings, they were merged into one entity in the global ranking, typically appearing only once, in accordance with our naming convention. The designation of this unified entity was contingent upon the frequency of mentions each institution received.
Our partners
Employers and digital expert’s surveys / data collection: Trendence Institute GmbH is an independent consulting and market research company standing for data-driven employer branding and recruitment for 24 years. It has conducted the annual survey for the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey with Emerging since 2010. Trendence knows the career plans and preferred employers of applicants and helps employers understand the needs of their target group (www.trendence.com)
Global business trends, company data, employee data & job data sourcing: public web data collection powered by Coresignal (www.coresignal.com) which specializes in gathering publicly available information from approximately 20 various online data sources available here https://coresignal.com/data-sources/
Research and data analysis: Pollup Data Services UG is dedicated to uncovering human needs and identifying societal trends through advanced data analysis techniques, including artificial intelligence and large language models, to deliver cutting-edge solutions in IT consulting and software development. Their expertise in data processing and analytics enables them to provide actionable insights and sophisticated tools, driving digital transformation and operational efficiency for organizations worldwide (www.pollup.net)
