From 2011 to 2015, temporary visa holders intending to stay in the United States after earning a doctorate were more likely to study engineering than were temporary visa holders intending to leave (34% versus 22%). They were less likely to graduate with a degree in a non-S&E field (10% versus 22%) or in psychology and social sciences (7% versus 18%). U.S. citizens and permanent residents who earned a doctorate were more likely to graduate with a degree in life sciences or in a non-S&E field (figure A).
Doctorates awarded, by resident type and broad field of study: 2011–15
Resident type | Life sciences | Physical sciences and earth sciences | Mathematics and computer sciences | Psychology and social sciences | Engineering | Non-S&E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. citizens and permanent residents | 24.8 | 9.7 | 4.9 | 18.9 | 11.3 | 30.4 |
Temporary visa holders intending to stay in the United States | 21.8 | 14.3 | 12.4 | 7.4 | 33.6 | 10.5 |
Temporary visa holders intending to leave the United States | 18.2 | 11.0 | 8.5 | 18.4 | 21.7 | 22.3 |
- S&E = science and engineering.
- NOTE: Percentages are based on the number of doctorate recipients responding to the postgraduation location question.
- SOURCE: Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities 2015. Related detailed data: tables 17,18, 22.