Chapter 6
Graduate Education: Enrollment
Graduate education constitutes a critical step in the preparation of scholars and professionals, especially scientists and engineers. During this time of focused study, choices become more directed and
change across disciplines less likely. Graduate education in the United States sets a world standard; it is highly regarded not only by students in this country but also by persons from abroad.
Graduate school enrollment in the United States in all disciplines increased by more than 22 percent during the 1980's. [1] (See figure
6-1.) In addition, the composition of enrollment in graduate education in all disciplines became more diverse. Women increased not only their numbers but also their share of total graduate enrollment, becoming a majority by the middle of the
decade. (See figure 6-2.) Minority enrollment increased somewhat, from 12 percent to 15 percent of the total. (See figure 6-3.)
Progress has been slower in science and engineering fields, where women, blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and persons with disabilities continue to be underrepresented in graduate school. However,
women did register gains over the last decade in both graduate enrollment and degrees, and underrepresented ethnic and racial minorities made limited progress. During the same period, Asians increased their representation in graduate school in
science and engineering so that the percentages of Asians now enrolled and earning degrees are higher than the percentage of Asians in the general population.
Women - Minorities
- Persons With Disabilities
- References
- Sidebar: Where Blacks and Hispanics Enroll
- Sidebar: Valuable Snapshots
- Sidebar: Critical Mass: Women in Academic Science
- Sidebar: Field Choices of Graduate Students
1. Data presented on graduate enrollment in this chapter are from two sources unless otherwise noted. Data on total enrollment, including all fields, are reported by the Department of
Education, Natural Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS, Fall Enrollment Survey. Data on graduate enrollment by field in science and engineering are from the National Science Foundation Survey of Science and Engineering Graduate Students and
Postdoctorates. Both surveys are universe surveys, including all higher education institutions offering graduate programs. Imputations are made for nonresponse. 
Figure 6-1
Figure 6-2
Figure 6-3