The numbers of physics and astronomy degrees conferred in the US rose for the class of 2005, according to a recent report by the American Institute of Physics (AIP).
Some 1233 physics PhDs were awarded by 185 departments in 2005, up 14% from the previous year. The number of physics bachelor's degrees rose for the sixth straight year, with 5113 conferred in 2005, a 40% increase over a recent low in 1999. Astronomy stayed close to its recent average with 91 PhDs, and at the bachelor's level saw a new record high with 343 degrees awarded in 2005.
For physics PhDs, the gains were due to non-US citizens, who in 2005 made up a record 60% of the graduating class. Over the past decade, the number of US citizens earning physics PhDs has fallen 34%, but according to the AIP report, recent trends in graduate enrollments suggest that US citizens...
