The production of physics and astronomy bachelors is rising, more bachelors are doing less-technical jobs, and more physics PhDs are doing postdocs. These and other data about all levels of US physics and astronomy degree recipients from the classes of 2002 and 2003 are presented in the latest employment report by the American Institute of Physics.
The 4553 bachelor’s degrees conferred in physics in 2003 represent a 6% increase over 2002 and a 25% increase over a low in 1999. In astronomy, some 325 bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 2002 and again in 2003, a 63% increase over 2000. Women comprised 22% of the combined classes of 2002 and 2003 in physics and 44% in astronomy. Among the nearly two-thirds of physics bachelors who borrowed money to help pay for their education, the median debt was $18 000.
Reflecting a weakened economy, the proportion of physics bachelors who took jobs...
