The Bac+5 Standard Takes Over the Market

1. The Master's Degree Becomes the "Norm" Without Employers or Recruiters Knowing Why
MBA, Master's, Specialized Master's, or even a double Master's degree. These are many options that create a wide selection for young people looking to add to their basic education. Recruitment ads explicitly mention graduates with Bac+5 degrees, even though Moroccan universities haven't yet produced the first generation of graduates from the reformed Master's programs. In effect, this requirement disqualifies many candidates, except those who obtained Bac+5 degrees, former DESS and DEA before the reform.
For now, it is mainly private schools that offer programs leading to a Master's degree, even if officially they cannot use this title, pending the implementation of a system for academic recognition of private diplomas. A few large public schools and universities have also accelerated the implementation of the LMD system by launching, in partnership with foreign counterparts or by associating with a specific sector (insurance, banking, large-scale distribution), often paid programs leading to Master's degrees.
"The Bac+5 level is becoming almost the norm without employers or recruiters knowing why. This increases pressure on both students and employees who don't have time to pursue such studies," stresses Nathalie Geschwind, consultant at Rekrute.com. "It must be admitted that recruiters are confused about the diploma; few of them really understand the LMD system," reveals the consultant.
This is a minimum requirement found in executive recruitment ads. Depending on whether it is geared towards professionalization or not, the conditions for access to a Master's program change. For programs with an "academic" orientation, the candidate must hold at least a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and pass the selection process. For the second category, with more professional content, at least two years of experience is required. "A professional Master's degree takes the employment rate into account, which explains why holders of this diploma are in high demand," says Mohamed Touzani Ouazzani, dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Hassan II Ain Chock University. "Specialization is required, but the diploma is not the only selection criterion; the candidate must also have know-how," notes Geschwind.
With the demands of the job market becoming increasingly pressing, some students opt for a double degree. "This doesn't make sense because Morocco doesn't have an evaluation agency in this area," believes the dean.
"We are wary of double degrees because the pedagogical contribution remains unclear to us. However, it should be noted that some diplomas are beginning to become known," says Geschwind in turn. "This double degree can only be an advantage if it is coherent," adds the consultant.

2. Master and Mastère
It is necessary to distinguish between Master and Mastère. The former is awarded by public universities and schools in joint programs initiated with foreign institutions. Accredited private schools that rely on French universities or schools through partnerships or relocation also award this diploma.
The Mastère is awarded by schools that are not accredited. "Those that offer it use deceptive advertising," accuses Gilles Lescat, general manager of the RESO Education group.

Published November 13, 2007

L’Economiste of November 5, 2007