- The 48,802 research doctorates awarded in 2008 is the highest number in the history of U.S. higher education, but growth rates have slowed in recent years (table 1).
- Life sciences accounted for 11,088 research doctorates awarded in 2008, the largest number by broad field (table 5).
- Women received 46% of all research doctorates awarded in 2008, the 13th consecutive year in which women received more than 40% of doctorates awarded (table 7).
- A total of 6,981 U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are members of racial/ethnic minority groups were awarded research doctorates in 2008—23% of the U.S. citizens and permanent residents who earned research doctorates and reported race/ethnicity (table 8).
- Asians earned 2,543 research doctorates in 2008, more than members of any other U.S. racial/ethnic minority group (table 8).
- Of graduates with known citizenship status, 67% were U.S. citizens or permanent residents and 33% were non-U.S. citizen temporary visa holders (table 11).
- China (including Hong Kong) was the country of origin for the largest number of non-U.S. graduates in 2008, with 4,526 (table 12).
- The median total time span from baccalaureate to doctorate among graduates was 9.4 years; median duration between starting and completing graduate school was 7.7 years (table 18).
graduates was 9.4 years; median duration between starting and completing graduate school was 7.7 years (table 18).
Source: NSF InfoBrief
Comment: Note that the vast majority of the Ph.D. graduates who study in the United States under temporary visas plan to stay in this country after their degrees, at least in science, technology, health and professional fields. The bring a lot of brains and skills to our economy, as well as improving our connections with and understanding of the rest of the world. JAD
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