Enrollment by Field of Study in Master’s Degree Programs
In 2015–16, three-quarters of graduate students were enrolled in master’s degree programs. Among master’s degree-seeking students, about 21 percent were enrolled in business and management, while 18.2 percent were enrolled in education and 16.6 percent were enrolled in STEM programs. The differences between international and domestic students were sharp. International students were much more likely to be enrolled in programs in STEM and much less likely to be studying education. Among domestic students, almost one-quarter of all Asian students were in STEM programs compared with less than 10 percent of all Black or African American students.
Report Links
Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education: A Status Report
Chapter Four: Enrollment in Graduate Education
Chapter Four Report Download (PDF) 3.4 MB
Chapter Four Data Tables Download (XLSX) 105 KB
Source
U.S. Department of Education, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, 2016
Notes:
STEM fields include life and physical sciences, math, engineering, and computer science.
Data is unreliable or estimate has been suppressed for American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and more than one race.
Data for Asian students enrolled in social and behavioral sciences should be interpreted with caution. Ratio of standard error to estimate is >30 percent but <50 percent.
Data for Asian, Black, Hispanic, and international students enrolled in law should be interpreted with caution. Ratio of standard error is >50 percent.
Data for White students enrolled in law should be interpreted with caution. Ratio of standard error to estimate is >30 percent but <50 percent.
