In the 2020/21 academic year, 1,958 doctoral degrees in Mathematics and Statistics were awarded in U.S. higher education.
While the exact total number of individuals who currently hold a math PhD in the US (the accumulated population of all living math PhDs) is not readily available from annual data, information on newly conferred degrees provides insight into the yearly output of advanced mathematics scholars.
Annual Doctoral Degrees in Mathematics and Statistics
The figure of 1,958 represents the number of new doctoral degrees conferred in the combined field of Mathematics and Statistics during the 2020-2021 academic period. This data highlights the annual contribution of highly specialized professionals to the academic, research, and industrial sectors within the United States.
Here's a snapshot of doctoral degrees awarded in key fields during the 2020/21 academic year:
| Field of Research | Number of Degrees Awarded (2020/21) |
|---|---|
| Business | 3,711 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 2,572 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations | 2,100 |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 1,958 |
This information helps track trends in academic specialization and the supply of advanced expertise across various disciplines in the U.S. educational landscape. For more details on doctoral degree awards, you can refer to relevant higher education statistics.
Understanding Doctoral Degree Data
It's important to distinguish between the total number of individuals holding a PhD in a given field and the number of degrees awarded in a specific year. The annual number indicates the flow of new experts entering the workforce and academic institutions, while the cumulative number reflects the total available pool of expertise over time. Factors such as retirements, emigration, and career changes also influence the overall population of PhD holders.
Broader Context of Doctoral Degrees in the US
The number of doctoral degrees in Mathematics and Statistics positions it among other significant fields contributing to the nation's intellectual capital. For instance, in the same academic year, the number of degrees awarded in Mathematics and Statistics (1,958) was slightly less than those in Computer and Information Sciences (2,572) and considerably less than Business (3,711). This comparison offers a perspective on the relative scale of advanced degree attainment across different academic disciplines. These figures are crucial for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to understand the evolving landscape of specialized knowledge and workforce development.
