National Science Foundation. Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities 2011. Author, Arlington, 2012. Pages: 24.

This annual report conducted by the National Science Foundation of the United States (US) examines, over time, the characteristics of students awarded with a doctoral degree. The report includes data on the socio-economic profile of doctorate recipients (citizenship, sex, race and ethnicity), fields of study attracting students, factors influencing the choice of pursuing a doctorate degree, how students pay for the degree and professional prospects after graduation. The results show that since 1958, the number of research doctorates has increased by an average of 3.4% annually. Other results include the increased representation of women, minorities and foreign nationals among doctoral graduates, the emergence of new fields of study and the reduced academic employment perspectives after graduation.

National Science Foundation