New physics bachelors and graduate study

About half of physics bachelors in the classes of 2019 and 2020 entered graduate school by the winter following graduation, and almost two-thirds of these decided to do so in the fields of either physics or astronomy. As has been true for several years, engineering was the next largest field of graduate study pursued by new physics bachelors. The remainder were enrolled in programs in a variety of subjects, the majority of which were STEM fields. Some new physics bachelors continued their education in non-STEM fields such as business, law, or the humanities, suggesting that a physics bachelor’s degree provides an educational background that enables students to pursue diverse educational paths. Of the students immediately continuing their education, 38% were enrolled in a master’s program, and the remaining 62% enrolled in a PhD or professional school. Of respondents enrolled in master’s programs, about a quarter indicated they intend to continue...