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Science and Engineering Doctorates

International students who intend to stay in the United States: What are the educational and expected employment outcomes?

Fields of study

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

Chart of Doctorates awarded, by resident type and broad field of study: 2011–15
(Percent)
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
Table of Doctorates awarded, by resident type and broad field of study: 2011–15