Exploring No Job Prospects for Doctoral Recipients: Recent Trends and Differences Across Demographics

• In Event: 15.037 - Careers in the Academy: Exploring Job Prospects

Abstract

This research project seeks to complement current efforts toward transparency of doctoral student career outcomes. Utilizing a national-level data set housed by the National Science Foundation, we investigate trends in immediate PhD job placement since the 1960’s for the fields of biology, engineering, and physical sciences. Specific emphasis is made on differences across demographic subgroups. We statistically test these differences using binomial logistic regression with different individual and institutional controls. We find an increasing rate of doctoral recipients with no immediate job prospects, with notable increases since 2000. We also identify statistically significant differences for females and underrepresented minorities.

Authors

• Timothy J Kinoshita, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• David Knight, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Maura J. Borrego, The University of Texas at Austin

• Nathan Hyungsok Choe, The University of Texas at Austin