26 August 2013

New Statistics on Physics & Astronomy Degrees

Richard Fienberg

Richard Fienberg American Astronomical Society

Patrick Mulvey of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) Statistical Research Center informs us of two new publications:

  • Roster of Physics Departments with Enrollments and Degree Data, 2012
  • Roster of Astronomy Departments with Enrollments and Degree Data, 2012

These reports provide a detailed, department-by-department listing of Fall 2012 enrollment and 2011-12 degree data for every degree-granting physics and astronomy department in the U.S.

The number of physics bachelor's and physics PhDs awarded to the class of 2012 have set all-time highs. The 6,776 physics bachelor's degrees earned in the academic year represent an 8% increase over the previous year and an 86% increase from a recent low in 1999. Similarly, the number of PhDs (1,762) in the class of 2012 is up 4% from the previous year and 62% from a recent low in 2004.

There has also been an increase in the number of astronomy bachelor's and PhDs conferred in recent years. About twice as many astronomy degrees (385) were awarded in the class of 2012 as a decade ago. The number of astronomy PhDs conferred has averaged around 150 degrees for each of the last five years. This is about 50% more PhDs than a decade ago.

You can access both rosters at http://www.aip.org/statistics/catalog.html