Across all degree levels, the number of degrees awarded in the geosciences in the U.S. increased in the 2016-2017 academic year. The continued increase in bachelor’s degrees reflects the rapid increase in geoscience enrollments earlier in the decade. The number of bachelor's degrees awarded increased 15%, master’s degrees increased 13%, and doctorates increased by almost 18%. At the graduate level, the accelerated throughput likely reflects the overall growth of enrollments at the bachelor's level propagating through the system. It may also reflect students who continued their education when hiring slowed during the most recent downturn in the energy industry.
U.S. geoscience degrees granted (1973-2017). Source: AGI Geoscience Workforce Program.