What do physics bachelor’s degree recipients do while pursuing their degree? Clearly there are many correct responses to that query. This month we will take a look at whether they start their four-year education at a two-year college.

While 27% of all bachelor’s degree recipients started their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at a two-year college, this is true of 15% of physics bachelor’s degree recipients. Physics bachelor’s degree recipients who earned their degrees in Oregon, Idaho, Florida, California, and Arizona were more likely to have started at two-year college than those earning degrees in other states. This can likely be attributed to strong two-year college programs with clear articulation agreements in these states.

We also find that men were more likely to have started at a two-year college than women. We do not know why this is true. Perhaps future researchers could examine this more closely.

Every year the...

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