THE GEOSCIENCES WORKFORCE: A STATISTICAL OVERVIEW

This talk provides a statistical overview of education trends in the U.S. in the geosciences. Data will be presented on the changes over time in the number of degrees awarded both in the geosciences and in related fields. The major dynamics that are driving higher education will be discussed. In addition, data on changes in the demographic profile of bachelors, masters and PhD will be presented. The number of women earning geoscience degrees has increased significantly over the last 15 years. However, the representation of minorities remains far lower in the geosciences than in related disciplines. The departments that excel in terms of number of minorities degrees awarded will be identified.