CERP Bulletin

The CERP Bulletin frequently shares news, timely information about CERP initiatives, and items of interest to the general community.
Subscribe to the CERP E-Mail List to stay connected.


NSF Reports on Graduate and Postdoctorates in Science, Engineering and Select Health Fields


Two reports have been released containing information on graduate and postdoctoral students in science and engineering fields. The first report presents data from the 2019 Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering showing trends in enrollment, postdoc appointments, and other selected characteristics. 

The second report, Trends for Graduate Student Enrollment and Postdoctoral Appointments in Science, Engineering and Health Fields at U.S. Academic Institutions between 2017 and 2019, presents data and other findings from the Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS) between 2017 and 2019. The GSS provides insight into current and future science and engineering workforce trends. 

Key findings of the report include: 

  • Between 2017 and 2019, the number of individuals receiving advanced Science, Engineering, and Health fields (SEH)  training at U.S. academic institutions increased by 7.8% for master’s students, 4.2% for doctoral students, and 2.3% for postdocs.
  • In engineering, master’s enrollments declined by 5.0% between 2017 and 2019, while doctoral enrollment and the number of postdocs increased by 4.7% and 5.4%, respectively. 
  • From 2017 to 2019, the number of Nonfaculty Researchers (NFRs) reported to the GSS grew by 7.7%, representing an increase of 2,169 doctorates engaged in research outside of faculty rank or tenure.

You can find the first report by clicking the link provided here, and the second report by clicking here